How do you deal with Emotional Abuse?

egglady, LPN · Nov 30, 2018

I am not seeing "emotional abuse" here. The violent outbursts could have to do with diagnosis. Some residents have family that never come-but for a reason. Had a son once tell us not to bother him until his mom was dead, and to not expect much from him then. Found out after she died that she was physically and sexually abusive to her kids. Not every old person is a sweet old lady or kind old gentlemen. Not all family members are mean for not visiting or even caring.

galactose · Dec 6, 2018

Definitely had to take it with a grain of salt. Worked in memory care, and oh boy--it was a lot to take in. Screaming and yelling that I was incompetent and awful, punched and slapped, etc. I learned a lot of those we care for as CNA's have lost their filter or become bitter due to disease, disability, or resentment towards losing their abilities. LTC facilities are VERY depressing when you see bad care from other CNA's, lack of family support in resident's lives, etc. Focus on making your resident's experiences positive and motivational. Anytime you see aggression, try to find the root of the issue for the resident and ask if you can do anything differently to fix it. If they tell you to F off/or they have a regular behavioral pattern, say ok--thank you! I found taking an interest in the resident's lives and stories made them bond easier with me, and see you as more than just some caretaker who could give two craps about them. Remember each resident/patient has days where they can act full-moon crazy! Just brush it off, or consider doing home health and requesting no memory care patients or elderly? Generally this happens regardless of if someone has dementia or not..