Elder-Abuse
.info

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.