Nursing Homes Cut Back on Restraints
By Kevin Freking, Associated Press
March 27, 2008
The use of physical restraints on nursing home patients declined nearly 40 percent nationally in recent years as the federal government, states and the nursing home industry placed greater emphasis on eliminating what once was a common practice.
Overall, about 5.9 percent of 1.5 million long-term patients were physically restrained repeatedly in 2006. That's a drop from 9.7 percent in 2002.
Physical restraints, such as bed rails or wheelchair belts, were once regarded as necessary to improve safety, to keep patients from falling or wandering off, but that mind-set has changed during the past two decades.
Mary Jean Koren, assistant vice president at The Commonwealth Fund, a research group, said that changes to federal law in 1987 made it illegal for nursing homes to use restraints to discipline residents or as a matter of convenience. The restraints can only be used for medical reasons, such as to prevent a resident from tearing out an IV. Until the change in law, restraints were standard procedure in many homes.
"We didn't know better," Koren said. "We didn't understand what it did to people both physically and psychologically.
"Those effects typically include depression, pressure sores and dehydration, she said. Research has also shown that restraints even increased the likelihood of injury as the restrained residents lost strength due to inactivity, making it harder for them to walk once they were allowed to move around.
Copyright Associated Press
Abridged
SOURCE: abcNews
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
April 7, 2008
Lobby to Governments: Protect Our Seniors (Canada)
Seniors should be given a voice; advocate would ensure their well-being
CORY HURLEY
The Western Star
CORNER BROOK — The Seniors Wellness Committee is lobbying governments to protect the population’s most vulnerable people.
An advocacy group themselves, the committee guided by seniors and community partnerships has been actively promoting seniors’ wellness. Through this front-line work in the community, members of the committee have been shocked to learn about the level of abuse of the elder population.
Abuse is abuse, whether it is direct or indirect. Marie McKinnon, who also co-chairs the committee, said one would be amazed what some seniors go through — often because of their own family members.
Abuse is not just physical, but financial, emotional and neglect. The committee has a concern about the quality of living and care received by seniors within their own or a family member’s home.
“In order for a senior to advise of abuse, they often have to file charges against the very people who will be in a position of authority over them, while the conventional wheels of justice proceed. That is the reality that creates and perpetuates the silent, unheard screams for help and leaves some seniors locked in a prison of abuse.”
“Based on what we have seen to date here at the Seniors Wellness Committee, it needs to be done yesterday.”
Abridged
SOURCE: thewesternstar
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
CORY HURLEY
The Western Star
CORNER BROOK — The Seniors Wellness Committee is lobbying governments to protect the population’s most vulnerable people.
An advocacy group themselves, the committee guided by seniors and community partnerships has been actively promoting seniors’ wellness. Through this front-line work in the community, members of the committee have been shocked to learn about the level of abuse of the elder population.
Abuse is abuse, whether it is direct or indirect. Marie McKinnon, who also co-chairs the committee, said one would be amazed what some seniors go through — often because of their own family members.
Abuse is not just physical, but financial, emotional and neglect. The committee has a concern about the quality of living and care received by seniors within their own or a family member’s home.
“In order for a senior to advise of abuse, they often have to file charges against the very people who will be in a position of authority over them, while the conventional wheels of justice proceed. That is the reality that creates and perpetuates the silent, unheard screams for help and leaves some seniors locked in a prison of abuse.”
“Based on what we have seen to date here at the Seniors Wellness Committee, it needs to be done yesterday.”
Abridged
SOURCE: thewesternstar
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elderly Care Standards will Raise Costs, But.... (Ireland)
[ Tue 11/03/2008 by Niall Hunter, Editor]
New quality and safety standards for the care of older people in private and public residential settings were published today by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
Nursing home owners, however, have warned that it is inevitable that the new standards will drive up the cost of care, and that this issue needs to be addressed.
The standards will be used to assess nursing home care under a new inspection regime which will be run by HIQA and is expected to be introduced later this year once the relevant regulations are drawn up by the Department of Health.
HIQA said today that under the new system, for the first time, all residential care settings for older people run by private and public providers will be inspected by an independent authority.
There is a set of 32 quality standards now set out, which detail the rights of residents in the areas of protection, health and social care needs, quality of life and staffing.
For example, under the protection heading, the standards stress that a resident should be protected from bullying, neglect, harassment, discrimination and any other form of abuse.
Tadhg Daly of NHI said they welcomed in particularly confirmation that the Department of Health would undertake a regulatory impact assessment in advance of the implementation of the new standards.
Age Action Ireland welcomed the new standards, saying the publication represented a landmark development on the road to helping protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
It warned, however, that the existence of standards alone will not ensure that nursing home residents are any safer than they were in the past.
Age Action said it will be watching to ensure that firm regulations are introduced by the Department of Health to support the new standards and that the regulations are then strictly enforced.
The full set of standards can be viewed by clicking on...
http://www.hiqa.ie/media/pdfs/HIQA_Residential_Care_Standards_2008.p
Abridged
SOURCE: irishHealth
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
New quality and safety standards for the care of older people in private and public residential settings were published today by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
Nursing home owners, however, have warned that it is inevitable that the new standards will drive up the cost of care, and that this issue needs to be addressed.
The standards will be used to assess nursing home care under a new inspection regime which will be run by HIQA and is expected to be introduced later this year once the relevant regulations are drawn up by the Department of Health.
HIQA said today that under the new system, for the first time, all residential care settings for older people run by private and public providers will be inspected by an independent authority.
There is a set of 32 quality standards now set out, which detail the rights of residents in the areas of protection, health and social care needs, quality of life and staffing.
For example, under the protection heading, the standards stress that a resident should be protected from bullying, neglect, harassment, discrimination and any other form of abuse.
Tadhg Daly of NHI said they welcomed in particularly confirmation that the Department of Health would undertake a regulatory impact assessment in advance of the implementation of the new standards.
Age Action Ireland welcomed the new standards, saying the publication represented a landmark development on the road to helping protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
It warned, however, that the existence of standards alone will not ensure that nursing home residents are any safer than they were in the past.
Age Action said it will be watching to ensure that firm regulations are introduced by the Department of Health to support the new standards and that the regulations are then strictly enforced.
The full set of standards can be viewed by clicking on...
http://www.hiqa.ie/media/pdfs/HIQA_Residential_Care_Standards_2008.p
Abridged
SOURCE: irishHealth
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Crime Prevention for Seniors (USA)
Reported by: Noelle Newton
Email: nnewton@fox23.com
Last Update: 4/01 7:55 pm
(TULSA, Okla.) April 1 - Criminals see them as easy targets and frankly, often they are. But now there's a new effort in Tulsa to protect senior citizens.
We asked the seniors at the East Side Senior Center what crimes they have been the victims of. A lot of them said scams and that's where police are starting.
Phone scams are just one of many aimed at seniors. “Seniors have that ‘how can I help you?’ type of personality and it sometimes will backfire." Sergeant Stephanie Jackson will hold eight free seminars to arm seniors with the ability to safeguard themselves against current crime trends.
"Giving them more of what the detectives are seeing in our financial fraud unit and our senior crime unit", Sergeant Jackson said.
SOURCE: fox23
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Email: nnewton@fox23.com
Last Update: 4/01 7:55 pm
(TULSA, Okla.) April 1 - Criminals see them as easy targets and frankly, often they are. But now there's a new effort in Tulsa to protect senior citizens.
We asked the seniors at the East Side Senior Center what crimes they have been the victims of. A lot of them said scams and that's where police are starting.
Phone scams are just one of many aimed at seniors. “Seniors have that ‘how can I help you?’ type of personality and it sometimes will backfire." Sergeant Stephanie Jackson will hold eight free seminars to arm seniors with the ability to safeguard themselves against current crime trends.
"Giving them more of what the detectives are seeing in our financial fraud unit and our senior crime unit", Sergeant Jackson said.
Sergeant Jackson always gives out the same top three warnings:
- Never give out your social security number or personal information.
- Never say you're home by yourself.
- And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
SOURCE: fox23
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
April 6, 2008
Family Care of Older People in Europe
Family Care of Older People in Europe
Summary of Results of EUROFAMCARE Study
(Project Co-ordinator Dr. H. Dohner)
Value of family care-giving
Family care is the backbone of care-giving almost all over Europe: except for Sweden, in all countries the family is regarded as the main responsible institution of elderly care.
The economic value of care-giving is enormous.
Carers endorse positive statements about their caring experience to a greater degree than they endorse negative statements.
On the other hand, care-giving leads to income loss and other kinds of burden.
Support for family caregivers makes sense, both socially and economically.
Service use
More than three quarters of all carers never use specific support services: in Poland (high costs), Italy (bureaucratic procedures) and Greece (services not available or too far away) service users are less than 3%!
Up to one third of all carers uses generic services instead.
Still: the vast majority of carers does not use any service at all. The reasons are (besides “no need”):
- Older persons’ or carers’ attitude and high costs
- If service use has been stopped the reason is mainly the high cost.
- If services are available and used, however, satisfaction is high.
- Low quality of support and care endangers optimal service utilization.
Actions for the Future
EUROCARERS – European Association Working for Carers
Initiated by members of the CARMEN AND EUROFAMCARE teams
- Consists of a European network of carers’ organizations, researcher and development organizations who try to act as a voice for carers and to advocate on issues relevant for carers.
- Aims at promoting the establishment of national carers’ organizations
- Intends to initiate a European Carers Day
- Is currently finalizing the draft for a European Carers’ Charter developed by the EUROFAMCARE team.
Abridged
SOURCE: europadoteu
---------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Your Town, USA - Safe from Elder Scams and Assets Looting?
Your Town, USA – a Great Place to Live, Launch and Loot?
By Lou Ann Anderson
April 4, 2008
A recent Central Texas newspaper article touted Georgetown, Texas, as number two on the CNNmoney.com Fortune Small Business list of “100 best places to live and launch.” This ranking identified towns having the “best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal.” Living and launching sound like positive activities. Launching, however, may also lead to looting – a not nearly so pleasant experience.
Looting assets of the dead and disabled is a focus of the Estate of Denial web site http://www.estateofdenial.com/ . An Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) occurs when property is distributed via a trust, will and/or guardianship in a manner contrary to the intended wishes of the asset owner. It can happen during the person’s lifetime or posthumously. Family members, friends or even “trusted” associates like a lawyer, accountant, social worker or caregiver are potential IRA practitioners. With legal and financial maneuvering, IRA can be accomplished totally within limits of the law. Georgetown is home to Del Webb’s Sun City Texas. IRA actions are occurring across the country, but towns like Georgetown – with a significant retirement-age population – are particularly at risk.
A designation like the “best place to live and launch” energizes everyone from municipal governments to local Chambers of Commerce to economic development folks. This distinction provides new bragging rights when local realtors and business recruitment forces set out to promote their city. Communities celebrate as new companies open, flourish and create jobs that stimulate new housing plus needs for additional businesses or services. This increases the tax base and the opportunity to grow government (not viewed by all as a good thing). A great city creating great opportunity. It’s all just - great! Or is it?
Either forgotten or ignored is that the factors attracting positive commercial interests can also be appealing to unscrupulous businesses looking for locations housing specific, significant population segments. Towns with military installations are great examples of areas that attract economic activity that is predatory in its relationship with residents. Exploitive environments can also exist within factory or mining towns and even resort or medical communities.
The Georgetown story provides an opportunity to remind and/or educate older Americans regarding their vulnerability when it comes to predatory businesses. Whether called senior citizens, the elderly, retirees, it doesn’t matter. Nor is there an exact age for becoming a part of this group. The point is that older, often retired, relatively affluent Americans are being targeted by economic poachers of all types, especially those in legal and financial professions. Lawyers who exclusively prey on the elderly are known as “Walker Stalkers.” Wealth is relative with IRA practitioners often indiscriminate as to the financial amounts they seek. Opportunity can sometimes be as much an attraction as a high dollar pay-off.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, financial abuse is one of the most sinister forms of abuse against the elderly and adults with disabilities. It is often called the crime of the 21st century. It can be as simple as taking money from a wallet, removing valuable possessions from a home, or as complex as manipulating an adult into turning over property to an unscrupulous family member or caregiver ( http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About/News/2006/2006-10-04_FinancialAbuse.asp ). U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that adults 50+ own more than 75% of the nation's financial wealth http://www.suddenlysenior.com/seniorfacts.html With the aging Baby Boomers, conditions are ripe for increasing numbers of IRA cases.
Law enforcement and the courts provide minimal safeguard or justice. Local authorities often refrain from criminal prosecutions and instead defer IRA adjudications to civil courts. Court battles are the traditional “remedy” for such actions. But win or lose, massive financial expense as well as a stringent emotional toll can yield the only true “winners” in these cases to be the participating lawyers. Many people cannot afford to take action as our courts are a pay-to-play venue. Others recognize that even with a meritorious case, many IRA actions involve a lawyer as a primary or secondary perpetrator and judges (usually former lawyers) are not known for taking substantive action against “their own kind.” With increased exposure, the need for criminal prosecutions will hopefully become self evident and communities will take action to protect their residents. Meanwhile, the current unlikeliness of criminal charges will continue as a contributing factor to increasing IRA case numbers. The prospect of a few years behind bars might one day make poaching Uncle Joe’s nest egg less appealing, but we are not there yet.
The upcoming years will see a transfer of wealth prompting many new IRA cases. People think proper estate planning will protect them or that they don’t have enough assets to be a target. There is no inoculation from the threat of IRA. Entrusting the execution of your wishes to an individual who is respectful of your wishes is key, but thwarting of this effort occurs as IRA practitioners are often shameless masters of deception. Exposing this problem – shining light on the dark side of estate management – can be a simple yet effective solution. Forewarned is forearmed so the next important step is to spread the word. Money, disability and death are topics regularly avoided. That has to change. Be aware of what’s happening in your community. Let Walker Stalkers and other IRA practitioners know that property rights are expected to be respected and that your town, like Georgetown, can be a great place to live and launch, but looting will not be allowed!
Lou Ann Anderson is producer of The Lynn Woolley Show, a Texas-based talk radio program. She also is an advocate working to create awareness regarding the Texas probate system and its surrounding culture. Lou Ann may be contacted at info@estateofdenial.com.
(with permission of Author)
-------------------------------------------
Thank you Lou Ann, for this insightful article.
It is another "Wakeup Call" that all is not well in regards to the issue of protecting seniors from scams and other fraudulent actions that target the vulnerable. Much has to be done to prevent the continuing "attacks" on seniors.
We have worked hard and long, to achieve the financial standings we have; so we do not have to burden the public coffers. To have our nest-eggs smashed, and assets plundered in our senior years is NOT acceptable in any language.
Readers are encouraged to visit the websites listed above. Arm yourselves with information that may help protect YOU and you loved ones.
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
By Lou Ann Anderson
April 4, 2008
A recent Central Texas newspaper article touted Georgetown, Texas, as number two on the CNNmoney.com Fortune Small Business list of “100 best places to live and launch.” This ranking identified towns having the “best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal.” Living and launching sound like positive activities. Launching, however, may also lead to looting – a not nearly so pleasant experience.
Looting assets of the dead and disabled is a focus of the Estate of Denial web site http://www.estateofdenial.com/ . An Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) occurs when property is distributed via a trust, will and/or guardianship in a manner contrary to the intended wishes of the asset owner. It can happen during the person’s lifetime or posthumously. Family members, friends or even “trusted” associates like a lawyer, accountant, social worker or caregiver are potential IRA practitioners. With legal and financial maneuvering, IRA can be accomplished totally within limits of the law. Georgetown is home to Del Webb’s Sun City Texas. IRA actions are occurring across the country, but towns like Georgetown – with a significant retirement-age population – are particularly at risk.
A designation like the “best place to live and launch” energizes everyone from municipal governments to local Chambers of Commerce to economic development folks. This distinction provides new bragging rights when local realtors and business recruitment forces set out to promote their city. Communities celebrate as new companies open, flourish and create jobs that stimulate new housing plus needs for additional businesses or services. This increases the tax base and the opportunity to grow government (not viewed by all as a good thing). A great city creating great opportunity. It’s all just - great! Or is it?
Either forgotten or ignored is that the factors attracting positive commercial interests can also be appealing to unscrupulous businesses looking for locations housing specific, significant population segments. Towns with military installations are great examples of areas that attract economic activity that is predatory in its relationship with residents. Exploitive environments can also exist within factory or mining towns and even resort or medical communities.
The Georgetown story provides an opportunity to remind and/or educate older Americans regarding their vulnerability when it comes to predatory businesses. Whether called senior citizens, the elderly, retirees, it doesn’t matter. Nor is there an exact age for becoming a part of this group. The point is that older, often retired, relatively affluent Americans are being targeted by economic poachers of all types, especially those in legal and financial professions. Lawyers who exclusively prey on the elderly are known as “Walker Stalkers.” Wealth is relative with IRA practitioners often indiscriminate as to the financial amounts they seek. Opportunity can sometimes be as much an attraction as a high dollar pay-off.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, financial abuse is one of the most sinister forms of abuse against the elderly and adults with disabilities. It is often called the crime of the 21st century. It can be as simple as taking money from a wallet, removing valuable possessions from a home, or as complex as manipulating an adult into turning over property to an unscrupulous family member or caregiver ( http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About/News/2006/2006-10-04_FinancialAbuse.asp ). U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that adults 50+ own more than 75% of the nation's financial wealth http://www.suddenlysenior.com/seniorfacts.html With the aging Baby Boomers, conditions are ripe for increasing numbers of IRA cases.
Law enforcement and the courts provide minimal safeguard or justice. Local authorities often refrain from criminal prosecutions and instead defer IRA adjudications to civil courts. Court battles are the traditional “remedy” for such actions. But win or lose, massive financial expense as well as a stringent emotional toll can yield the only true “winners” in these cases to be the participating lawyers. Many people cannot afford to take action as our courts are a pay-to-play venue. Others recognize that even with a meritorious case, many IRA actions involve a lawyer as a primary or secondary perpetrator and judges (usually former lawyers) are not known for taking substantive action against “their own kind.” With increased exposure, the need for criminal prosecutions will hopefully become self evident and communities will take action to protect their residents. Meanwhile, the current unlikeliness of criminal charges will continue as a contributing factor to increasing IRA case numbers. The prospect of a few years behind bars might one day make poaching Uncle Joe’s nest egg less appealing, but we are not there yet.
The upcoming years will see a transfer of wealth prompting many new IRA cases. People think proper estate planning will protect them or that they don’t have enough assets to be a target. There is no inoculation from the threat of IRA. Entrusting the execution of your wishes to an individual who is respectful of your wishes is key, but thwarting of this effort occurs as IRA practitioners are often shameless masters of deception. Exposing this problem – shining light on the dark side of estate management – can be a simple yet effective solution. Forewarned is forearmed so the next important step is to spread the word. Money, disability and death are topics regularly avoided. That has to change. Be aware of what’s happening in your community. Let Walker Stalkers and other IRA practitioners know that property rights are expected to be respected and that your town, like Georgetown, can be a great place to live and launch, but looting will not be allowed!
Lou Ann Anderson is producer of The Lynn Woolley Show, a Texas-based talk radio program. She also is an advocate working to create awareness regarding the Texas probate system and its surrounding culture. Lou Ann may be contacted at info@estateofdenial.com.
(with permission of Author)
-------------------------------------------
Thank you Lou Ann, for this insightful article.
It is another "Wakeup Call" that all is not well in regards to the issue of protecting seniors from scams and other fraudulent actions that target the vulnerable. Much has to be done to prevent the continuing "attacks" on seniors.
We have worked hard and long, to achieve the financial standings we have; so we do not have to burden the public coffers. To have our nest-eggs smashed, and assets plundered in our senior years is NOT acceptable in any language.
Readers are encouraged to visit the websites listed above. Arm yourselves with information that may help protect YOU and you loved ones.
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Elderly Care in Canada Bewildering
Mar 31, 2008 04:30 AM
Craig Kielburger
Marc Kielburger Special to the Star
His answer was not the kind we were expecting.
Sitting at a café on a bustling street in downtown Cairo, we ask our local guide Mohammed Abdel Rehim what he perceives to be the biggest difference between Egypt and Canada. Surprisingly, neither history nor politics make up any part of his response.
"The largest difference," he says, as he sips a cup of tea, "is how you treat old people."
Rehim explains that, in Egyptian culture, seniors are among the most valued members of society. They are universally admired for a lifetime's worth of wisdom and experience and are expected to pass on that knowledge. Children kiss their grandparents' hand when greeting them as a sign of respect.
That is why Rehim says he cannot understand the North American concept of old age, where the contributions of the elderly are expected to dwindle slowly, sometimes culminating in children putting aging parents in a nursing home.
A 2007 Statistics Canada report found that seniors today have carved out a role for themselves that is far more engaged than any they have had before.
"They are better educated, they are Internet savvy and they are active," the report said.
The role of the aging is especially relevant in Canada these days, as baby boomers approach retirement. There are now more than four million seniors in Canada, a number that's to double by 2025.
With seniors eventually making up one-fifth of our population in Canada, Rehim's words seem almost prophetic. He wonders why Canadians don't make a greater effort not just to live side by side with their elders, but to seek out the wisdom of a fully lived life.
Abridged
SOURCE: theStar
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Craig Kielburger
Marc Kielburger Special to the Star
His answer was not the kind we were expecting.
Sitting at a café on a bustling street in downtown Cairo, we ask our local guide Mohammed Abdel Rehim what he perceives to be the biggest difference between Egypt and Canada. Surprisingly, neither history nor politics make up any part of his response.
"The largest difference," he says, as he sips a cup of tea, "is how you treat old people."
Rehim explains that, in Egyptian culture, seniors are among the most valued members of society. They are universally admired for a lifetime's worth of wisdom and experience and are expected to pass on that knowledge. Children kiss their grandparents' hand when greeting them as a sign of respect.
That is why Rehim says he cannot understand the North American concept of old age, where the contributions of the elderly are expected to dwindle slowly, sometimes culminating in children putting aging parents in a nursing home.
A 2007 Statistics Canada report found that seniors today have carved out a role for themselves that is far more engaged than any they have had before.
"They are better educated, they are Internet savvy and they are active," the report said.
The role of the aging is especially relevant in Canada these days, as baby boomers approach retirement. There are now more than four million seniors in Canada, a number that's to double by 2025.
With seniors eventually making up one-fifth of our population in Canada, Rehim's words seem almost prophetic. He wonders why Canadians don't make a greater effort not just to live side by side with their elders, but to seek out the wisdom of a fully lived life.
Abridged
SOURCE: theStar
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
April 5, 2008
Aged Care Centre Not at Fault in Sex Abuse Case (Australia)
Aged care centre not at fault in sex abuse case
Posted Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:00am AEDT
The Federal Government says it has already investigated reports of sexual abuse in a Brisbane bayside nursing home.
A male patient allegedly sexually assaulted female residents at Bramble House in Brighton.
The facility looks after people with dementia and is part of the Queensland Government-owned and run aged care centre Eventide.
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing says its investigation shows Bramble House did all it could to stop the abuse and had not breached its responsibilities.
It says the matter has been raised with police and the man is no longer living at the home.
The facility has also segregated male and female residents.
In a statement last night, Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliott said she had asked her department to check whether staff in the aged care sector are protected if they report such allegations.
SOURCE: abcnews
---------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
Posted Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:00am AEDT
The Federal Government says it has already investigated reports of sexual abuse in a Brisbane bayside nursing home.
A male patient allegedly sexually assaulted female residents at Bramble House in Brighton.
The facility looks after people with dementia and is part of the Queensland Government-owned and run aged care centre Eventide.
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing says its investigation shows Bramble House did all it could to stop the abuse and had not breached its responsibilities.
It says the matter has been raised with police and the man is no longer living at the home.
The facility has also segregated male and female residents.
In a statement last night, Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliott said she had asked her department to check whether staff in the aged care sector are protected if they report such allegations.
SOURCE: abcnews
---------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
EU Discussion Paper: Prevention of Elder Abuse
DISCUSSION PAPER1
What can the European Union do to protect dignity in old age and prevent elder abuse?
The frail elderly are a highly vulnerable group of people and it is crucial to address question of safeguarding their fundamental rights in the European Union in this changing demographic context. What is at stake is the protection of human dignity (Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union) and of physical and mental integrity (Article 3), protection against inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 4) and the right of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life (Article 25).
CONCLUSION
While millions of frail elderly Europeans are well cared for by loving relatives and dedicated professionals, there are also many in real danger of abuse and neglect. This danger increases with the seriousness of the older person's health impairments and the stress that is put on carers. The few national prevalence studies that exist suggest that the risk to older citizens is intolerably high. The growing percentage of older people, the increasing strains on their relatives, who more and more often need to reconcile work and private 0bligations, and the risk of a lack of affordable professional care, could make the situation worse.
The European conference to take place in Brussels on 17th March 2008 represents an opportunity to discuss with stakeholders from across the European Union how the dignity of older people can be protected more effectively and how elder abuse and neglect can be prevented. This paper sketches out a number of actions that could be taken at European level. Naturally, the debate with stakeholders is open and all suggestions should be given serious consideration having regard to the principle of subsidiarity, and the limited competences of the European Union in this area. Thus, anything that the European Union can do will represent only a modest contribution towards tackling the challenge, but this could help create and sustain a momentum in the Member States and so lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life of many older citizens.
Abridged
SOURCE: ec_europa
--------------------------------------------------
At last, some information from Europe regarding the important issue of protecting the vulnerable older people and the prevention of elder abuse. As stated in the discussion paper - it is now up to the stakeholders (member countries of EU) to take the necessary actions towards the challenge.
For many "stakeholders", this may still be a sensitive issue as it must impact on government overall-budget.
Perhaps, they will commission more studies or researches, before they act. This will, of course, take time and money. Oftentimes, such a move may be viewed as stalling tactic. Let us be optimistic, and hope that stakeholders will act promptly.
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
What can the European Union do to protect dignity in old age and prevent elder abuse?
The frail elderly are a highly vulnerable group of people and it is crucial to address question of safeguarding their fundamental rights in the European Union in this changing demographic context. What is at stake is the protection of human dignity (Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union) and of physical and mental integrity (Article 3), protection against inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 4) and the right of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life (Article 25).
CONCLUSION
While millions of frail elderly Europeans are well cared for by loving relatives and dedicated professionals, there are also many in real danger of abuse and neglect. This danger increases with the seriousness of the older person's health impairments and the stress that is put on carers. The few national prevalence studies that exist suggest that the risk to older citizens is intolerably high. The growing percentage of older people, the increasing strains on their relatives, who more and more often need to reconcile work and private 0bligations, and the risk of a lack of affordable professional care, could make the situation worse.
The European conference to take place in Brussels on 17th March 2008 represents an opportunity to discuss with stakeholders from across the European Union how the dignity of older people can be protected more effectively and how elder abuse and neglect can be prevented. This paper sketches out a number of actions that could be taken at European level. Naturally, the debate with stakeholders is open and all suggestions should be given serious consideration having regard to the principle of subsidiarity, and the limited competences of the European Union in this area. Thus, anything that the European Union can do will represent only a modest contribution towards tackling the challenge, but this could help create and sustain a momentum in the Member States and so lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life of many older citizens.
Abridged
SOURCE: ec_europa
--------------------------------------------------
At last, some information from Europe regarding the important issue of protecting the vulnerable older people and the prevention of elder abuse. As stated in the discussion paper - it is now up to the stakeholders (member countries of EU) to take the necessary actions towards the challenge.
For many "stakeholders", this may still be a sensitive issue as it must impact on government overall-budget.
Perhaps, they will commission more studies or researches, before they act. This will, of course, take time and money. Oftentimes, such a move may be viewed as stalling tactic. Let us be optimistic, and hope that stakeholders will act promptly.
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More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
April 4, 2008
Dementia and Elder Abuse: A Call for More Support and Understanding
Dementia and Elder Abuse – A Call for More Support and Understanding
by Andrew
In spite of some publicity from various media outlets, and the blogs on the internet, the issue of Elder Abuse is still a hidden problem. The full extent of elder abuse cannot be accurately assessed as many abuses are not reported. It has been estimated that 75% of elder abuse cases are not reported.
Assistance and Training of Care-givers
Many family members who are caregivers for their elderly parents are at risk of abuse and, of being abused by the recipient of their care.
Families and carers must be aware of the various phases of dementia, so that they can better understand dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. A better understanding of dementia should lead to better preparedness in handling behavioural changes in the demented elderly.
Support for Carers
Carers, especially family members, who take on the role of caring for elderly parent(s) often are affected by stress and depression. These carers must be able to send their charges to a government sponsored facility, so they can have a respite from the heavy burden of caring for elderly parent(s).
We must also be aware of risk factors in carers and dementia patients. These risk factors may result in elder abuse. The risk factors may include:
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
by Andrew
In spite of some publicity from various media outlets, and the blogs on the internet, the issue of Elder Abuse is still a hidden problem. The full extent of elder abuse cannot be accurately assessed as many abuses are not reported. It has been estimated that 75% of elder abuse cases are not reported.
Assistance and Training of Care-givers
Many family members who are caregivers for their elderly parents are at risk of abuse and, of being abused by the recipient of their care.
Families and carers must be aware of the various phases of dementia, so that they can better understand dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. A better understanding of dementia should lead to better preparedness in handling behavioural changes in the demented elderly.
Support for Carers
Carers, especially family members, who take on the role of caring for elderly parent(s) often are affected by stress and depression. These carers must be able to send their charges to a government sponsored facility, so they can have a respite from the heavy burden of caring for elderly parent(s).
We must also be aware of risk factors in carers and dementia patients. These risk factors may result in elder abuse. The risk factors may include:
- Overburden in the care situation
- Depression and Isolation, arising from constant demand in caring for the elderly family member.
- difficult or violent behaviour of the elderly dementia patient, may lead to the frustration of carer.
Carers may also experience abusive situations with dementia patients. We should continue to support carers and continue to urge government in all levels to assist these carers.
According to a study:
"Behavioral disturbances (Teri et al., 1992), common to many demented elderly, may also play a role in the association between elder abuse and dementia. For example, Paveza et al. (1992) studied violent behavior (including hitting, kicking, biting, punching and making threats) in a sample of 184 patients with AD and their primary caregivers. Among the patient-caregiver dyads studied, 15.8% patient-to-caregiver violence; 5.4% caregiver-to-patient violence; and 3.8% mutually violent behaviors were noted."
Readers may want to look up the following:
‘Geriatric Times’ by Andrew C. Coyne, Ph.D. that I find most interesting.
Elder Abuse Can Be Reduced By Training Caregivers About Dementia
by Jacqueline Marcell
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
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