Posts tagged "nursing home abuse"

Elder abuse is an all-too-common problem not just here in Michigan, but all over the country. Those older citizens who are most vulnerable and likely to be taken advantage of may not have family nearby, or may even be victimized by those that they trust. Several authorities here in Michigan are attempting to change that by raising awareness and stopping elder and nursing home abuse before it begins.

When people think of nursing home residents, they often think of older people -- those who have aged to a point where their mobility has decreased or an illness has made it difficult to care for themselves. There is another type of patient that may make use of a nursing facility -- a person with special needs that may not be of an advanced age. Just like the elderly, these people are often targets of nursing home abuse due to their increased vulnerability and dependence on others for care. Recently, here in Michigan, a group home employee was brought up on various charges relating to allegations that she assaulted a disabled woman. It is yet another sad story that happens too often -- indeed, one time is more than is acceptable.

The stories about the cruelty and neglect found in some nursing homes are shocking reminders of the undeserved plight of some of our elderly citizens. In some cases, personnel in the nursing homes are the most untrained and ill-equipped of any of the millions of healthcare workers nationwide. Ample examples of these rogue institutions can be identified in Michigan and in every other state. Some nursing homes have apparently shunned the pride that they should show in the work that they do. Instead, they've created operations that stand only as showcases of nursing home abuse.