Loud Cartoons for Elderly Patients

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How do you feel about nurses/CNAs/other staff members turning on loud cartoons for their elderly patients to watch? It has been noticed that someone at the facility I work for seems to go into rooms when residents are not there and turns the TV on to the kids cartoon channel, all the way up to volume 100. Some people believe that the TVs are turning on by themselves, but that seems unlikely. Maintenance has checked the TVs several times for any malfunctioning issues, and there appears to be none. Also, some of the residents have noted that their remotes are not where they left them when they leave their rooms, so that makes it seem even more likely that someone is purposely turning on the TV to loud cartoons. While some of the residents brush it off or seem oblivious to it happen, others have made numerous complaints. One resident put on her call lights at least 8 times during the shift because she could hear the loud TV in the next room, where nobody was watching TV.

At other facilities, sometimes they gather residents into the living area and turning on the TV to--you guessed it--cartoons without any feedback from the residents as to what they actually want to watch.

It seems like a strange situation, for sure. Some people think someone is pulling a prank, while others are annoyed, because they feel like someone is treating these elderly patients like children. What are your thoughts? I am not sure what to think about this.

I think the culprit is a danger to others and needs not only the boot but a 72 hour hold. Anonymously call the department in your state that handles elder abuse, call CMS, and call the local newspaper. Make sure your phone can't be identified. Use a pay phone if you can still find one. Make sure no one overhears you if you call from work. You can bet me that those in charge will involve the law enforcement officials once they are found out by the public and by authorities.

I apologize if I am wrong, but I think OP is being WAY TOO compassionate and is likely the one doing this.

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I think the culprit is a danger to others and needs not only the boot but a 72 hour hold. Anonymously call the department in your state that handles elder abuse, call CMS, and call the local newspaper. Make sure your phone can't be identified. Use a pay phone if you can still find one. Make sure no one overhears you if you call from work. You can bet me that those in charge will involve the law enforcement officials once they are found out by the public and by authorities.

I apologize if I am wrong, but I think OP is being WAY TOO compassionate and is likely the one doing this.

I'm not ready to accuse the OP and I don't know if they've ruled out a particularly spry (and bored) resident. But you are right that law enforcement needs to be involved, and so does the state licensing agency. This behaviour is disruptive to the point of being abusive and needs to be taken very seriously. Whoever is doing this has a major screw loose.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

OK, if this is for real what an absolutely bonkers thing to be doing. I am appalled that management is fully aware and has done nothing substantial to address this situation despite multiple complaints. OP says this has been going on since July? That's months of abusive behavior, and what is happening is abusive. There has already been a fall directly attributed to the loud TV volume and still nothing is done to correct it? Either management is oblivious to the very real possibility of state cites for this or they don't care, neither of which seems quite right to me.

I'm not a nurse but I have worked in a few facilities as a CNA. Even when I had 30+ residents (with just another CNA and an RN) I was always walking down the halls checking on everyone. It wasn't hard to be aware of what was happening with my residents. Something isn't adding up.

Specializes in Nursing Education, Public Health, Medical Policy.
Why is it important to you to not embarass this person? If you go into an empty room an turn on the TV on volume 100, you're not doing it to be helpful and nice to the resident. Why would a resident want to return to their room and be greeted by a noise level that could almost rupture an eardrum?

This isn't normal behavior. If you're asking me what I would tell a coworker who did this and I caught them in the act, it would be along the lines of knock it the **** off. I'm guessing my answer isn't very helpful to you, but I have no patience with this type of behavior and wouldn't tolerate it. Hopefully someone else can give you suggestions that are more helpful to you.

Good luck!

Edited to add:

(partial quote)

This clearly shows that this person isn't doing it for the benefit of residents. What possible rationale is there for turning on TVs really loud in empty, uninhabited rooms?

Agree 1000%!! Catch her/him in the act and embarrass them- something is wrong with this ding dong. Geeez....

I'm a second career nurse, former law enforcement. I've spent thousands and thousands of hours on various stakeouts. If what you're decribing happened where I work, I would happily sacrifice a day off and skulk in a suitably located supply room, waiting for the cartoon marauder to strike :lol2:

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I lost it at Daniel Tiger, but this comment....I cannot stop laughing. I'm picturing it!

Specializes in CMSRN.

Just a thought. Maybe the culprit is not entering the room. If the TV's are smart tv or cable based, one can upload a remote control app to their phone. Very easy to sync and work on multiple TV's. I have scared my kids in the past with the Verizon remote app by controlling the tv from another part of the house. Funny as heck at the time.

Otherwise I think it is a ghost.

Right to Dignity, Respect, and Freedom

  • To be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity
  • To be free from mental and physical abuse, corporal punishment, involuntary seclusion, and physical and chemical restraints
  • To self-determination
  • Security of possessions

National Consumer Voice

Someone can voice a complaint with the ombudsman. Obviously their possessions are not secure. Someone better read the residents' rights posted all over every facility before they turn on another television, ghost or not.

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Just a thought. Maybe the culprit is not entering the room. If the TV's are smart tv or cable based, one can upload a remote control app to their phone. Very easy to sync and work on multiple TV's. I have scared my kids in the past with the Verizon remote app by controlling the tv from another part of the house. Funny as heck at the time.

Otherwise I think it is a ghost.

I hadn't thought of that. My brother likes to use his phone to change channels in restaurants with TVs. I'd forgotten about that.

Put some dye on the plugs after you unplug the TV. Catch them red-handed 😄

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

No update from OP. I'm smelling a rat.

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
No update from OP. I'm smelling a rat.

The OP has not been back since it was suggested that she (the OP) is actually the cartoon bandit. Maybe the OP thinks she is creating cover for herself by bringing the issues up on AN. Of course does not really work on an anonymous message board. I guess this is a play on "who ever smelt it dealt it." :sniff:

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