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 suffers as a result of abuse or negligence?
1. The victim - elderly or vulnerable person placed in care.
2. Relatives of the victim.
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 behaviour of the person in the care home.
2. Physical injuries such as, cuts, bruises, black eyes, broken bones etc...
3. Care home staff refusing to leave you alone with the patient.
4. Malnutrition or dehydration
Above are brief warning signs that you need to be looking for.
What to do if you suspect negligence or abuse?
If you are a concerned relative or friend or a person who works in a care home. You will be scared of getting it wrong.
What if you are right? It is up to us to protect the vulnerable and elderly.
Even if the victim has had a fall, measures should be in place to prevent falls. Abuse or neglect can come in many forms.
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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