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.
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 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.
The regulations are found at www.cqc.org.uk which is the care quality commission.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Their job is to make sure adequate care is provided to everyone, whether it is in hospitals, care homes, nursing homes etc..
Their website provides down loadable national minimum standards guidelines.
Here are some of the basic standards of care that should be adhered to
Residents should be dispensed the appropriate medication for them
Water and food should always be available
Residence who need help with personal hygiene should have help readily available.
Health and safety should be in place at all times. The vulnerable will need extra precautions.
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 makes sure all the regulations of basic care are met, care home negligence and abuse can be avoided.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Negligence in Care Home
One of the growing sad occurrences is care home abuse and negligence.
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 abuse or negligence
Abuse and negligence are different but both have similar warning signs.
1. Sudden behaviour changes of the person in care.
2. Physical signs of injury like, bruises, cuts, burns, fractures or breakages.
3. Care home staff refusing to leave you alone with the patient.
4. Lack of food or water
Those are a few of the warning signs you should look 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.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
It maybe that the victim has had a fall, is this negligence? Well one thing that should be happening is to have measures in place to prevent such 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. The victims relatives
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 behaviour changes of the person in care.
2. Physical signs of injury like, bruises, cuts, burns, fractures or breakages.
3. Care home staff refusing to leave you alone with the patient.
4. Lack of food or water
Those are a few of the warning signs you should look 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.
The problem is though, what if you are right? It is our job to protect the vulnerable.
It maybe that the victim has had a fall, is this negligence? Well one thing that should be happening is to have measures in place to prevent such 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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