Spot and report elder abuse and neglect.
Elder abuse and neglect can remain hidden if you don’t know what to look for.
Falls and fractures.
Falls and injury are among the most common forms of elder abuse. Falls, particularly in the facility setting, are caused by failure to supervise, failure to monitor, failure to to properly assess for fall risk, failure to properly adjust the care plan after a prior fall, or even if falls are unavoidable, failure to take steps to avoid injury.
When a resident of a facility is admitted, the facility should assess the resident to determine if they are a fall risk. The facility should implement a fall prevention care plan. If the resident falls, the facility must determine why. It must reassess the resident and modify the care plan to avoid future falls.
Pressure Injury
Pressure injuries are also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers. Pressure injuries are also a common example of elder abuse. When a resident of a facility is admitted, the facility should assess the resident to determine if they are at risk for pressure injuries. The facility should implement a pressure injury prevention care plan. If the resident develops an early stage pressure injury, the facility must determine why. It must reassess the resident and modify the care plan to avoid worsening or future pressure injuries.
Examples of elder abuse
Unfortunately, physical neglect and abuse, particularly in the long term care settings comes in endless varieties. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish elder abuse from an underlying medical condition or a complex medical history. Inscore Law can retain the right experts to explain the difference to a jury.
Assault and Battery
Staff on resident and resident on resident physical battery and sexual assault. Look for bruising, skin tears, flinching, or withdrawn behavior.
Choking
Seniors are at elevated risk for choking. Residents need a care plan that takes all relevant factors into account.
Restraints
Use of physical restraints in elder care facilities is rare though it still occurs. More common are chemical restraints–overmedication to keep residents compliant.
Infection
Infection risks are omnipresent in various settings, ranging from healthcare facilities to communal spaces, posing a constant threat to public health. Effective preventive measures, such as vaccination campaigns, stringent hygiene protocols, and timely healthcare interventions, are essential to mitigate the spread of infections and protect vulnerable populations.
Dehydration
Dehydration in nursing homes is a prevalent concern, as elderly residents may face challenges in maintaining adequate fluid intake due to factors like mobility issues or cognitive decline. Vigilant monitoring, personalized hydration plans, and staff education are vital components in preventing and addressing dehydration among the elderly in long-term care facilities.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition in nursing homes remains a concerning issue, with reports indicating that inadequate dietary intake and poor nutritional care contribute to the vulnerability of elderly residents.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia risks in long-term care settings are elevated due to the presence of elderly residents who often have weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. Factors such as close living quarters, shared spaces, and potential difficulty in mobilization contribute to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures, regular vaccinations, and prompt medical attention to mitigate the risk of pneumonia outbreaks in these facilities.
Elopement
Elopement risks in long-term care facilities involve the potential for residents, especially those with cognitive impairments such as dementia, to wander away from the premises without supervision. This poses a serious safety concern, necessitating comprehensive strategies like secure entry points, staff training, and individualized monitoring plans to prevent elopement incidents and ensure the well-being of residents.
Medication Error
Medication error risks in long-term care are heightened by complex medication regimens, multiple healthcare providers, and the vulnerability of elderly residents to adverse drug reactions. Inadequate communication among staff, incomplete medical records, and the potential for misinterpretation of prescriptions further underscore the need for rigorous protocols and continuous training to minimize the risk of medication errors in long-term care settings.
Isolation
Isolation risks in long-term care facilities are significant, as residents may experience social withdrawal, loneliness, and a decline in mental well-being due to limited social interactions, especially exacerbated by factors like physical limitations and restricted visitation policies. Implementing strategies such as virtual communication, engaging activities, and fostering a supportive environment is crucial to address the adverse effects of isolation on the mental and emotional health of individuals in long-term care.
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