Elder Abuse

achot chavi · Jan 17, 2009

We have an in service yearly given by our SW, in addition, all the staff sign as part of their orientation that they are familiar with Pts bill of rights, are aware that the facility has a Abuse Dept that they can go to to report any signs of Pt or staff abuse. Includes Physical, verbal, sexual, racial , direct or indirect. You can get info on this from the net- just google elderly abuse. I think it is important thing to be informed and intolerant of abuse. When I see 2 CNA;s mock fighting I ask them to stop or do it outside, as our pts may not understand that they are just playing (besides it isn't professional)

Hope this helps

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jan 18, 2009

On hire and every year we go over the training. And, if there is an allegation of abuse, everyone gets inserviced again.

LoveActually · Jan 18, 2009

I'm a student. We had an all day seminar about abuse prevention a few weeks ago. I also work as a nurse aide in a hospital, and just the other day I saw another aide get rough with an confused and upset older gentleman, and I promptly reported it.

My mom (who is an RN), said to me once, "We as a society to not value our older adults." It has stuck with me, and when for a second, I waivered about blowing the whistle on her, I remembered my mom saying this.

We should have more education about elder abuse, caregiver role strain etc.

LoveActually · Jan 18, 2009

Oh sorry forgot to say this: At work, I don't remember having any particular education on abuse prevention.

achot chavi · Jan 18, 2009

Glad you reported the abuse, you did the right thing!!!

As "Biff" said in Death of a Salesman:

Society treats us older adults like oranges- eating the meat and throwing out the peel that is left over. (Not a direct quote...)

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

Just as Capecod said...yearly, new hire and with any incident or alleged abuse reporting. Sooooo....in LTC it could be alot.

achot chavi · Jan 19, 2009

Apropros, we just this week had an incident where one of our experienced nurses aides- a stable family man with grandchildren who had come to our staff events, weddings, vacations etc- one of our best workers, who was caught on camera hitting a patient in a brutal matter.- he worked on the Alzheimers unit ( the head nurse had fought hard to get him!!) and a couple of patients had complained but we hadn't really believed them thinking they were mistaken- there were no bruises so we just monitored the situation. That was when we started to watch the cameras more.

I feel terrible!!!

HE was of course fired and a staff meeting is called for Thursday.

You really never know!!!

I can't atone for what happened, I cant change the past but I beg y'all to please believe the patients, investigate every complaint.