Nursing Home Residents Hesitant to Report Abuse Due to Fear of Retaliation
It is a tragic truth that nursing home abuse is quite common. To make matters worse, it is also largely underreported. Sometimes seniors do not report abuse because they simply do not have the mental capacity to understand what is happening to them. In other instances, nursing home residents are too ashamed or embarrassed to admit that abuse occurred. According to a recent study, however, one of the main reasons nursing home abuse is so underreported is because residents fear retaliation. Below, our Daniel Island nursing home negligence and abuse lawyer explains further.
‘They Make You Pay’
A study was conducted by the Long Term Care Community Coalition that analyzed 100 complaints made by nursing home residents across the United States. After examining these complaints, Eilon Caps, the lead researcher in the study wrote a report titled ‘They Make You Pay’. The report shows that the main reason neglect and abuse is not reported by residents is because they fear retaliation. Residents are scared that if they report neglect, abuse, or wrongdoing, nursing home staff members will hurt them even further or continue to neglect and even ignore them.
The position nursing home residents are in is very precarious. They rely solely on nursing home staff members for every aspect of their care including their nutritional and hygienic needs, as well as their medical treatment and more. Even when they are not receiving the proper care, filing a complaint about it could result in a complete lack of care. Adding to the concerning situation is the fact that most nursing home residents cannot simply leave the facility to escape neglect and abuse.
Solving the Problem
The report does acknowledge that most staff members in nursing homes are hard-working, good people. It also addresses the fact that the majority of nursing home staff members are undervalued, overworked, and underpaid. Unfortunately, these staff members are the only solution to the problem.
Nursing home staff members should be trained on the impact retributive statements have on nursing home residents. For example, if a resident does not want to take their medication, a frustrated staff member may threaten them with isolation if they do not take their medicine, even if the staff member does not mean it. Still, these statements can create a fearful and insecure environment for seniors. Staff members should know how these statements cause harm to seniors. That is the first step to ensuring nursing home staff members feel confident enough to come forward with allegations of neglect and abuse.
Call Our Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Lawyer in Daniel Island for a Consultation
Due to the fact that nursing home abuse and neglect is so underreported, family members must remain extra vigilant and look for the signs. If you think your loved one has suffered from abuse, our Daniel Island nursing home abuse and negligence lawyer at Fuller Law Firm is here to help. Call us now at 843-277-0013 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/06/16/nursing-home-residents-fear-retaliation/70317690007/
