The purpose of nursing homes is to provide older people at risk with the care and attention they require in a secure setting. For some residents, however, the truth is unsettling: abuse by doctors and other medical professionals.
Nursing home abuse is usually underreported and can take many different forms, ranging from physical injury to psychological suffering. A multi-approach strategy should be implemented, including awareness-raising, intervention, and a dedication to protecting residents’ safety and dignity.
The Role of Physicians in Preventing or Enabling Abuse
Doctors have a special duty to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents. They serve as the primary healthcare professionals, writing prescriptions, monitoring patients’ health, and making important choices regarding the treatment plan. Because of their employment, they are in a position to both stop and, regrettably, encourage abuse.
Physicians must uphold strict standards of care to safeguard residents. This entails keeping up with each patient’s unique requirements, conducting routine examinations, and keeping lines of communication open with staff and relatives. Doctors should also be on the lookout for physical or psychological abuse indicators and report them right away if they see any.
However, doctors may be contributing to a hazardous environment if they neglect these responsibilities or let abuse take place while they are watching. Physician carelessness can continue a pattern of abuse by overprescribing medicine, neglecting to advocate for a resident’s needs, or disregarding indications of mistreatment.
What should a doctor do if they suspect abuse at a nursing home?
Doctors are legally bound to notify the proper authorities of any suspected abuse. To ensure the resident’s safety, they should meticulously record any discoveries, notify the facility administration, and follow up with any required organizations. Promptly reporting abuse is essential to halt further damage.
Physicians Being the Abusers Themselves
The sad thing is that doctors themselves can sometimes be the source of abuse, if not in nursing homes than at healthcare centers. For example, a Little Rock gastroenterologist has recently been accused of multiple deeds, including sexual abuse and improper prescriptions. The physician has been a licensed medical practitioner in Arkansas since 1979.
Since 1993, the medical board has received close to 24 complaints against him. Some complainants have even filed legal lawsuits against the physician for his wrong conduct.
In such a situation, it is important to speak up about the abuse and file a report against the abuser. Sadly, many victims don’t report abuse because of the fear of retaliation. As stated by USA Today, underpaid and overworked staff can be a significant reason behind the abuse by caretakers.
The article also mentions a Harvard Medical School professor’s statement that most nursing home professionals are good. However, situations like abuse do come up and need to be solved immediately.
Why Hire a Local Attorney
If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, contact a local lawyer who can help you with legal proceedings. The victims of the example mentioned above can seek help from a Little Rock personal injury lawyer to get guidance and file a lawsuit.
The reason to hire a local attorney is that they are well-versed with regional regulations. This gives you an edge in the courtroom, as the lawyer can fight the case with the local jurisdiction perspective.
As advised by Keith Law Group, you can also contact a lawyer to get a free consultation for your case. This will help you slow down and think straight after a personal injury has hit your life. An experienced lawyer can handle all the legal implications and fight for your rights and compensation.
Which laws guard against abuse among patients in nursing homes?
Residents are protected under the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) and other state-level laws. These rules forbid abuse or neglect, mandate a procedure for reporting abuse, and compel nursing facilities to offer a specific level of care. Those violating the law may face fines, license suspensions, and criminal charges.
The Importance of Staff Training and Awareness
Although doctors usually charge for a resident’s care, other people also help ensure a safe atmosphere. Nurses, aides, and other staff members are significant in avoiding abuse. Even well-meaning caregivers cannot spot the warning signs of abuse or know how to act if they lack the necessary training and expertise.
Therefore, it is essential to provide ongoing training on how to recognize and report abuse and the rights of residents in nursing homes. When abuse is observed, staff members must be prepared to report it and defend people who cannot speak for themselves. Due to this culture of accountability, everyone at the institution, from the doctor to the janitor, is actively involved in protecting vulnerable residents.
Another issue with the staff is that they are usually undervalued and overworked. This is largely because of the understaffing issues in US nursing homes. An article from The Conversation states that around 80% of US nursing homes are understaffed. Understaffing can result in negligence, where a resident’s requirements are neglected because there is insufficient manpower to meet everyone’s needs.
What form of abuse prevention training ought to be provided to nursing home employees?
Employees should receive training on how to spot the warning signs of emotional, physical, and neglect abuse. They should also learn conflict resolution techniques, effective communication techniques, and how to defuse potentially dangerous situations. Regular role-playing exercises and refresher courses can ensure a high level of awareness.
Vigilance, education, and responsibility are necessary to protect nursing home patients against mistreatment by doctors and other caregivers. By ensuring that doctors are aware of the warning signs of abuse, we can eradicate abuse and create a safer environment for nursing homes. This will encourage a transparent and supportive work environment among staff.
In addition to being required by law and morality, everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of nursing home patients.
