This ongoing problem our society faces is shocking and detrimental for those involved.
Severe cases of neglect or abuse often crop up in the media that stun our senses and gut wrench our feelings.
Reading the reports is enough to effect us. But what about those directly involved. The victims and their families.
You place your loved ones in care homes because they are vulnerable and need specialist care, more than you can physically or emotionally provide yourself.
Your loved one may be elderly or even disabled. You expect them to be cared for in nursing homes. You certainly do not expect them to become victims of negligence.
How to prevent Care Home Abuse or Neglect
There are certain measures that should be in place. The care home is responsible for making sure all regulations are met at all times. These regulations and standards are set to keep its residents safe.
The regulations are found at www.cqc.org.uk which is the care quality commission.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They make sure everyone receives adequate care this, applies to hospitals, nursing homes, own residence etc..
Their website provides down loadable national minimum standards guidelines.
Some of the basic standards of care that should be implemented.
All residents should be given the correct and sufficient medication.
Food and water should be made sufficiently available.
Residence who need help with personal hygiene should have help readily available.
Health and safety should be applied at all times. The vulnerable should be assisted and extra measures are expected to be in place.
Assisted aids and mobility aids should be used where needed.
Those are just a few of the common sense guidelines that should be met.
If the care home makes sure all the regulations of basic care are met, nursing home negligence and abuse can be avoided.
Care Home Neglect
Unfortunately care home abuse and negligence is a growing concern.
Being such a sensitive and delicate subject, it is often avoided out of fear or lack of knowledge.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, the elderly person or the vulnerable placed in care.
2. The victims relatives
3. Other residents of the care home if the issue is not resolved.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Abuse and negligence are different but both have similar warning signs.
1. Sudden behaviour changes of the person in care.
2. Physical injuries such as, cuts, bruises, black eyes, broken bones etc...
3. Staff at the home refusing to let you see the patient on your own.
4. Lack of food or water
Those are just a few of the warning signs you should look out for.
What to do if you suspect negligence is taking place
Whether you are a relative, concerned friend or a care home worker. Your biggest problem will probably be the fear of getting it wrong.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
Even if the victim has had a fall, measures should be in place to prevent falls. Abuse or neglect can come in many forms.
The nursing home will have a system that deals with enquiries. If you feel you would rather not speak to them direct, you can go to a specialist who will look into your concerns confidentially.
Being such a sensitive and delicate subject, it is often avoided out of fear or lack of knowledge.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, the elderly person or the vulnerable placed in care.
2. The victims relatives
3. Other residents of the care home if the issue is not resolved.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Abuse and negligence are different but both have similar warning signs.
1. Sudden behaviour changes of the person in care.
2. Physical injuries such as, cuts, bruises, black eyes, broken bones etc...
3. Staff at the home refusing to let you see the patient on your own.
4. Lack of food or water
Those are just a few of the warning signs you should look out for.
What to do if you suspect negligence is taking place
Whether you are a relative, concerned friend or a care home worker. Your biggest problem will probably be the fear of getting it wrong.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
Even if the victim has had a fall, measures should be in place to prevent falls. Abuse or neglect can come in many forms.
The nursing home will have a system that deals with enquiries. If you feel you would rather not speak to them direct, you can go to a specialist who will look into your concerns confidentially.
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