On June 15th, the date designated for the sixth annual World Elder Abuse Day, advocates around the globe will don purple as a symbol of unity in the ongoing battle to end elder abuse and neglect.
Abuse and neglect of older persons is often hidden from the public eye, under-recognized and under-reported. Unfortunately, no community or country in the world is immune from this costly public health and human rights crisis, and as our population ages, this threat grows ever larger.
As we continue inculcating the values of “culture change” throughout our region, it’s become clear that the adoption of person-centered practices within our long term care homes can significantly aid in the prevention of resident abuse and neglect. The following points help support this belief:
- National Center on Elder Abuse has recognized that a nursing home’s culture is a crucial factor in determining the success or failure of efforts to prevent abuse. (Nursing Home Abuse – Risk Prevention Profile Checklist)
- Numerous studies have shown that poor staffing and institutional indifference create fertile conditions for abuse.
- Instances of nursing home neglect have often been attributed to under-qualified and inexperienced staff. Staff, unprepared to handle difficult situations, may also take out their frustrations on residents. (Elder Abuse Foundation)
- Unintentional neglect resulting in bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, and contractures/frozen joints can also happen when staff lacks knowledge, empowerment, and a sense of accountability. These health consequences can be very difficult for a resident to overcome, and in some cases can prove fatal.
This is why the culture change journey is so necessary to undertake. The impact can be far greater than just keeping residents happy or comfortable. Their very lives may depend on it.
Imagine Our World-Free from Elder Abuse
