What are your initial thoughts about this article? Have you heard of any similar cases in regards to abuse/neglect of an OA in a nursing home?
I have read many articles concerning neglect or even abuse in nursing homes. These issues are rather common in Canadian and US long-term care facilities (Moeller, 2017). Many residents of nursing homes are vulnerable and unable or unwilling to voice their concerns. One of the most alarming trends is the inability of families to address the problem. For instance, Dehaas and Otis (2018) report that a family could not take their older relative from a facility due to financial issues, and the patient died within six months after her admission.
What organizational policies and support are required to effectively prevent and address abuse and neglect of older adults living in LTC facilities?
One of the most effective solutions to addressing neglect and abuse in LTCs is the establishment of appropriate organizational culture. Killett et al. (2014) state that the development of proper culture is a complex process involving staff training and development. Furthermore, it can be necessary to introduce certain policies and standards associated with the provision of high-quality care, communication, as well as whistleblowing. Healthcare professionals should be responsible and willing to address the needs of their patients. It is also important to make sure that organizational standards include documents where the concepts of neglect and abuse are properly identified. Employees should clearly understand what actions are improper.
What are some risk factors that can lead to abuse and neglect by staff in a LTC setting?
Some of the common risk factors related to neglect are associated with certain organizational gaps (Killett et al., 2014). The lack of knowledge and experience among employees, their burnout, and excessive workload can lead to inadequate behavior. The lack or absence of policies and standards that could guide the staff can also result in neglect. Finally, employees’ low salaries and unattractive benefits can also be risk factors.
References
Dehaas, J., & Otis, D. (2018). Families sue Ontario long-term care providers over ‘disgusting’ neglect. CTV News. Web.
Killett, A., Burns, D., Kelly, F., Brooker, D., Bowes, A., La Fontaine, J., … O’Neill, M. (2016). Digging deep: How organisational culture affects care home residents’ experiences. Ageing and Society, 36(1), 160-188.
Moeller, P. (2017). Health care watchdog sends urgent alert on potential nursing home abuse. PBS. Web.