elder abuse

[knockandhello]

What would you do if you thought a resident had been assulted ?

[thsnursluvsgeriatric]

What would you do if you thought a resident had been assulted ?

I have worked in institutions where a few residents were extremely combative and at times d/t needing to be physically held so as not to be bit, hit, pinched, kicked, or a combination of all of these things staff will hold on extra tight and the resident did come out with bruises. At the same time though, the skin of the elderly does tear easily.

But an assault needs to be investigated. A coworker friend was fired d/t abuse of a resident. She HAD assaulted the resident, she kicked and tore at the residents hair. I thought that she should have left of her own free will several years before her dismissal and had suggested to her before the incident that she ought to retire, or take a break, as her attitude of at times poor.

Keep your eyes and ears open and be sure to make it a point to be around when residents are being cared for by the person you suspect. Just as in domestic violence cases, one tends not to believe a person is capable of abuse. If you witness it you must put a stop to it and report it.