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Nursing Home Neglect and Elder Abuse - What Families
Should Do
Elder abuse and neglect has been
hitting the headlines of major news broadcasters and
publishers across the nation. Sadly there is an estimated
20,000 cases of abuse in nursing homes every year. Some
believe that number to be significantly under estimated
because of under reporting and delayed reporting which
decreases the ability of those in power to assess the
situation. If you have a parent or grandparent in the
care of a nursing home you should take this information
to heart.
ARE NURSING HOMES SAFE?
Even those who report on nursing home
abuse and neglect are not trying to suggest that nursing
homes are a danger to the elderly. What is a problem
is that understaffing, lack of reporting and lack of
training is not being taken seriously and this is causing
a ripple of discontent and concern amongst those touched
by the issue.
Theft, physical abuse, sexual and verbal
abuse and neglect have all been exposed in recent years
as a hidden problem that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately
the victims, who may be unable to speak for themselves
or are dismissed as being confused or demented, have
a difficult time finding defenders. Even the children
of these elderly ones may question their parent's claims
or hesitate to question staff they worry may retaliate.
The good new is that steps are being
taken to change laws and policies which govern the hiring
of personnel and training of staff. Even a caring nursing
aide can unintentionally cause harm due to a lack of
training, necessary when caring for elderly patients
who are incapable of indicating their needs or difficult
to manage.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR PARENT?
One of the main steps a child of an
elderly parent can take to protect them from neglect
or abuse is to stay involved in their parent's life.
Regular visitation and communication
with your parent or the staff caring for them has many
benefits. Along with the emotional benefits to your
parent, staff will be aware that you are keeping an
eye on the standard of care your parent is receiving.
You will also notice changes in behavior or physical
symptoms such as unexplained bruising and untreated
bed sores, that can be attributed to neglect or abuse,
before it's too late.
If you are not able to make frequent
visits you could ask friends or other relatives to stop
in and visit. You can also hire an aide or contact a
charitable group that can visit and report on your parent's
care and health.
If an elderly parent makes a complaint
do not quickly dismiss it. Sudden changes in their personality,
eating habits, weight loss or lack of mobility could
be linked to a lack of attention and care. If you are
unfamiliar with the aging process, including the medical
concerns and abilities of your parent, you may feel
reluctant to question staff or report your concerns.
Research what you can about your parent's ailments and
go with your instincts; if unexplained injuries, missing
objects or a sudden change such as depression or weight
loss, give you cause for concern it is in your hands
to speak up and get answers or report problems.
Dealing with an aging parent has its
difficulties, but taking responsibility for them is
a child's obligation. If you cannot do so personally
there are arrangements you can make so your parent ages
with dignity and good care.
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