One reason I wrote Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is to relate, not only cozy stories that depict the positive side of my hospice volunteer experiences in nursing homes, but to also convey those seldom mentioned negative aspects in need of improvement. The reality, supported by research, is that the quality of life for all patients, whether at home or in institutions, depends on the context of their care. Among other variables, that context includes policy makers, staff, equipment, race, and location. That context also includes me, and that’s why I advocate for patients.
Book Excerpt:
“Sometimes a shortage in staff had harmful consequences for patients. This included being left in unchanged beds, not being fully clean, and not being assisted when help was required for eating. Some patients tried to feed themselves, using their hands when they couldn’t see their eating utensils. Patients waiting for help sometimes stared at their food while it turned cold. Those with depression or dementia often had little interest in food. They needed someone to motivate them throughout the meal.”
Staff shortages in nursing homes negatively impact patients around the country. There is no excuse for patient neglect and abuse, especially when it is criminal. According to the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR), it is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to neglect or abuse a resident.
Neglect and abuse can be reported to the following:
1) The nursing home’s administrator, director of nursing, and social worker
2) The state or local ombudsman
3) The local police or state law enforcement
4) A Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agency
5) The state survey agency that licenses and certifies nursing homes (often in the Health Department)
6) A citizen advocacy group, or other church or community group that visits regularly
This video about alleged patient neglect and abuse in some New York nursing homes indicates that critical staff shortages can be a contributing factor.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Book Excerpt:
“Sometimes a shortage in staff had harmful consequences for patients. This included being left in unchanged beds, not being fully clean, and not being assisted when help was required for eating. Some patients tried to feed themselves, using their hands when they couldn’t see their eating utensils. Patients waiting for help sometimes stared at their food while it turned cold. Those with depression or dementia often had little interest in food. They needed someone to motivate them throughout the meal.”
Staff shortages in nursing homes negatively impact patients around the country. There is no excuse for patient neglect and abuse, especially when it is criminal. According to the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR), it is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to neglect or abuse a resident.
Neglect and abuse can be reported to the following:
1) The nursing home’s administrator, director of nursing, and social worker
2) The state or local ombudsman
3) The local police or state law enforcement
4) A Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agency
5) The state survey agency that licenses and certifies nursing homes (often in the Health Department)
6) A citizen advocacy group, or other church or community group that visits regularly
This video about alleged patient neglect and abuse in some New York nursing homes indicates that critical staff shortages can be a contributing factor.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
The picture you use above of the bruised arm could have easily been caused by simple pressure on the arm of someone who is taking blood thinners. Pictures are not always what they seem. Blood thinners cause capillary fragility and make simple bumps or just the act of helping someone from a chair to bed appear to be abuse when in all likelihood it could just be from the easier bruising caused by using a blood thinner. This is not to discount that abuse exists but the other side of the story should be shown as well. I am not in the nursing home industry nor a caregiver but am well aware of the side effects of these drugs which although helpful in stroke prevention can be harmful as well.
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