An ongoing issue for our society. It is both shocking and detrimental for everyone involved.
Severe cases of neglect or abuse often crop up in the media that stun our senses and gut wrench our feelings.
Just hearing about these reports are enough to really effect us, but what must it be like for the victims and their families.
Loved once are placed in care homes because they need specialist care and are vulnerable.
Your loved one maybe disabled or elderly. You expect them to be looked after and safe in nursing homes. You don not expect them to fall victim of negligence.
How Care Home Neglect or Abuse can be prevented
There are certain regulations that should be in place to keep the residents safe. The care home is responsible for making sure all regulations are met.
The care quality commission www.cqc.org.uk provides these regulations.
Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Their aim is to make sure proper care is given to everyone, regardless if they are in hospital, nursing homes, their own homes or elsewhere.
On their website you can download pdf documents outlining the national minimum standards for care.
Some of the basic standards of care that should be implemented.
Residents should always be given the correct dosage of medication that they require.
Sufficient food and water should always be available
Assistance with personal hygiene should always be offered when needed.
Health and safety should be in place at all times. The vulnerable will need extra precautions.
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, care home negligence and abuse can be avoided.
Negligence in Care Home
Unfortunately care home abuse and negligence is a growing concern.
It is both a sensitive and delicate issue that is often avoided out of fear or lack of education of the subject.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, elderly, disabled, vulnerable placed in care.
2. The victims relatives
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot neglect or abuse
Although abuse and negligence can be defined as different things, they both have the same warning signs.
1. Sudden changes in the persons behaviour
2. Physical signs of injury like, bruises, cuts, burns, fractures or breakages.
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.
What if you are right? It is our duty to protect the elderly and 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.
If you feel you cannot speak to the nursing home direct, you can contact a specialist who will look into your concerns on your behalf confidentially.
It is both a sensitive and delicate issue that is often avoided out of fear or lack of education of the subject.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, elderly, disabled, vulnerable placed in care.
2. The victims relatives
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot neglect or abuse
Although abuse and negligence can be defined as different things, they both have the same warning signs.
1. Sudden changes in the persons behaviour
2. Physical signs of injury like, bruises, cuts, burns, fractures or breakages.
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.
What if you are right? It is our duty to protect the elderly and 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.
If you feel you cannot speak to the nursing home direct, you can contact a specialist who will look into your concerns on your behalf confidentially.
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