Keeping an Eye on the Caregivers for the Elderly
Taking a proactive role in the care of your elderly parent, relative, or friend is advisable. By the time a senior citizen arrives at the point of needing assisted living or nursing home care, the individual is usually not capable of dealing with neglect or abuse. The person may be unable to even cope with daily needs.
Dementia or mental incapacity prevents elderly people from clearly perceiving an abusive situation or being able to communicate about it. Likewise, a physical condition that drains energy or the desire to talk makes patients vulnerable. Sometimes it is difficult to realize or cope with how vulnerable they are.
What can you do?
Be observant. Be proactive about communicating with caregivers. You do not have to be threatening, but let them know that you are observing their behavior and how they treat residents. Ask these questions about your loved one's care:
- How they are eating?
- What kind of foods do they eat?
- How much liquid do they drink in a day?
- How often do are they bathed?
- Are they losing or gaining weight?
- Do they receive assistance with walking?
- How often are they left unattended?
- Have caregivers noticed any changes in their behavior?
- How do they get along with other residents?
According to an April 2010 nursing home abuse article, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo used hidden cameras to convict 30 employees found guilty of nursing home abuse and negligence. Hidden cameras were placed in two New York state nursing homes with the families' consent.
CBS News reported an incident where a family installed a hidden camera and discovered that nurse's aides were throwing their mother-in-law into a chair instead of sitting her down softly and then were laughing about it. The nursing home fired the aides and settled a lawsuit for $2 million.
In another case reported by CBS, a nurse's aide was convicted and sentenced to six months in jail after being caught repeatedly hitting a paralyzed 99-year-old man. This case occurred in a private residence.
Technology has opened the door to new ways that families can keep an eye on caregivers. Cameras come disguised as alarm clocks, wall clocks, boom boxes, desk lamps, air fresheners, and other items.
If you discover abuse, consult an attorney about pursuing a nursing home settlement.
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