The elderly in Kentucky nursing homes should be able to expect safe, skilled care. Although it may be unrealistic to think that abuse in nursing homes can be completely eliminated, the National Center on Elder Abuse reviewed research on nursing home abuse incidents and came up with these strategies—10 years ago—to reduce the likelihood of such abuse:
- Make sure that law enforcement, regulatory, adult protection, and nursing home advocacy groups cooperate and coordinate with each other.
- Educate and train employees in interpersonal caregiver skills, managing difficult resident care situations, problem-solving, cultural issues that affect staff/resident relationships, conflict resolution, stress-reduction techniques, information about dementia, and witnessing and reporting abuse.
- Ensure a good working environment through adequate staffing, enhanced communication between caregivers and administrative staff, adequate time to nurture relationships between staff and residents, decent salaries, opportunities for upward mobility, and greater recognition, respect, and understanding for employees’ personal challenges.
- Make sure that the facility is in compliance with federal requirements concerning hiring of nurse aides.
- Ensure an environment and the materials employees need to provide high-quality care.
- Faithfully enforce mandatory reporting, and educate professionals and the public (non-mandatory reporters).
- Provide support for nurse aides.
- Support resident councils.
- Always screen prospective employees for criminal backgrounds, history of substance abuse and domestic violence, their feelings about caring for the elderly, reactions to abusive residents, work ethics, and their ability to manage anger and stress.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.