An ongoing issue for our society. It is both shocking and detrimental for everyone involved.
Sever cases of neglect or abuse spout up in the media. They shock and stun us to the point of unbelief.
Just hearing about these reports are enough to really effect us, but what must it be like for the victims and their families.
You reside your loved ones in care homes because they are vulnerable and need more specialist care then you can personally provide.
Your loved one maybe disabled or elderly. You expect them to be looked after and safe in nursing homes. You do not expect them to fall victim of negligence.
Preventing Care Home Neglect and Abuse
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.
These regulations can be found at the care quality commission website www.cqc.org.uk.
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.
Below are some of the basics regulations that should be in place
Residents should be dispensed the appropriate medication for them
Sufficient food and water should always be available
Residence should have the opportunity to get help with personal hygiene
Health and safety should be applied at all times. The vulnerable should be assisted and extra measures are expected to be in place.
Assisting aids should be used wherever needed.
Those are just a few of the common sense guidelines that should be met.
If the care home implements all the guidelines then care home negligence will be avoided.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Care Home Negligence
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. Relatives of the victim.
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Abuse and negligence are different but both have similar warning signs.
1. Sudden changes in the behaviour of the person in the care home.
2. Physical signs of personal unjust such as, fractures, broken bones, cuts, bruises, abrasions........
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 or abuse?
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 up to us to protect the vulnerable and elderly.
It could be the case that the victim has fallen over. The care home should be preventing falls.
The nursing home or care home will have a system that deals with enquiries. If you do not feel you can contact them, then there are independent specialists that will deal with this delicate issue for you.
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. Relatives of the victim.
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Abuse and negligence are different but both have similar warning signs.
1. Sudden changes in the behaviour of the person in the care home.
2. Physical signs of personal unjust such as, fractures, broken bones, cuts, bruises, abrasions........
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 or abuse?
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 up to us to protect the vulnerable and elderly.
It could be the case that the victim has fallen over. The care home should be preventing falls.
The nursing home or care home will have a system that deals with enquiries. If you do not feel you can contact them, then there are independent specialists that will deal with this delicate issue for you.
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