Elderly Abuse in Nursing Homes – Is Your Loved One a Victim?

It is a very sorry state of affairs, but it is true. Senior care homes are rife with complaints of nursing homes abuse. Elderly abuse in nursing homes has always existed, but the problems are really becoming more serious now because of the sheer pressure of population in care homes. People keep their elderly folk in care homes because they feel they will not be able to take the requisite care for them, but the rampant abuse in care homes is making the whole thing a huge shame.

Why does abuse in care homes exist? One simple reason for this is the lack of equipment in most care homes to cope up with their residential population. Most care homes are bursting at the seams with elderly residents, and at the same time, they are understaffed. In addition, the staff could have some problems with the management of the care home itself, or – in a very unfortunate circumstance – they might have a grouse against one particular home resident. In such cases, the staff could contribute to elder abuse in care homes. Other reasons that can contribute to elder abuse in care homes is work pressure, under-trained or poorly-trained staff and staff burnout.

Elderly abuse in care homes could come in various forms. In general, nursing homes abuse is classified into two main categories – physical abuse and mental abuse. This could be gross, but it needs to be said. Physical abuse for elderly residents could come in the form of physical beating methods such as slapping, punching, kicking, etc. or burning them with cigarettes, or scalding them with water, or refusing to change their soiled innerwear, etc. While mental abuse in care homes is existent in the form of deprivation, demoralization, verbal insults and other kinds of mental torture. A very small but significant percentage of abuse in care homes also comes from sexual abuse.

When you are admitting someone to a senior care home, there are some indications that can tell you whether there is any form of abuse in it or not. You should look at the dress and the general physical condition of their other residents to get an idea. It is very good if the residents are involved in some activity. You could also ask to inspect the kitchens and make your mind whether this nursing home has any sort of abuse in it or not. If you can speak with the families of the other residents, you will surely get a much clearer idea.

It is always better to opt for a nonprofit care home since these are usually free from problems such as elder abuse in care homes. These care homes also have better trained people, who you can be sure will care for your loved one quite well.

In order to prevent the nursing homes abuse, the government has made it compulsory that they must be checked periodically. Ratings are given to the nursing homes based on these inspections, and all nursing homes must maintain a copy of the ratings and show when demanded. A significant part of this report tells whether the nursing home is a part of the chain of elderly abuse in care homes or not. However, in the case of an unfortunate event of abuse, you can lodge a complaint with the local authority that deals with elder care in nursing homes.

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