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.
They may be elderly or disabled and you expect them to be safe in nursing homes. You certainly do not expect them to fall victim of negligence.
How Care Home Neglect or Abuse can be prevented
There are certain measures that should be in place. The care home is responsible for making sure all regulations are met at all times. These regulations and standards are set to keep its residents safe.
The care quality commission www.cqc.org.uk provides these regulations.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They make sure everyone receives adequate care this, applies to hospitals, nursing homes, own residence etc..
Their website provides down loadable national minimum standards guidelines.
Here are some of the basic standards of care that should be adhered to
All residents should be given the correct and sufficient medication.
Water and food should always be available
Residence who need help with personal hygiene should have help readily available.
Health and safety should be applied at all times. The vulnerable should be assisted and extra measures are expected to be in place.
The use of assisting aids should be used for those who need it.
That is just a handful of the basic guidelines that should be met. Of course there is many more.
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
One of the growing sad occurrences is care home abuse and negligence.
Being such a sensitive and delicate subject, it is often avoided out of fear or lack of knowledge.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, elderly, disabled, vulnerable placed in care.
2. The relatives of the victim
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Although abuse and negligence can be defined as different things, they both have the same 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. Care home staff refusing to leave you alone with the patient.
4. Food and water deprivation
Those are a few of the warning signs you should look for.
What should you do if you suspect neglect 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.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
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.
Being such a sensitive and delicate subject, it is often avoided out of fear or lack of knowledge.
Who does the abuse or negligence effect?
1. The victim, elderly, disabled, vulnerable placed in care.
2. The relatives of the victim
3. Residents in the care home if the issue is not dealt with.
How to spot abuse or negligence
Although abuse and negligence can be defined as different things, they both have the same 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. Care home staff refusing to leave you alone with the patient.
4. Food and water deprivation
Those are a few of the warning signs you should look for.
What should you do if you suspect neglect 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.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
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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