Due to the laws we have here in California, there should be no abuse or neglect. But then again, that’s looking though rose colored glasses.

As a Gerontologist with an interest in Skilled Nursing Facilities, I have visited many and done placements. I was also given the responsibility of finding placement for some of my family members and neighbors.
When I do this, I have a full checklist of things I look for. You would be surprised at the number of facilities that have signs in the hallways or dining rooms regarding abuse. They want it reported immediately. This is good, not only for the patient, but the staff, as well.

Out here there are really stiff penalties for neglect or abuse. The SNF’s can lose their licenses if they don’t take care of it.

very often most ederly are forced to make home goods like
cup holders exct.

After being in a nursing home within an hour’s drive, owned by a corporation that owns 20 or more other facilities, I was very disappointed. My friends husband lived in the facility for 5 years because it was physically impossible for him to have home care. Even with her being at the home visiting him nearly every day, he got Pneumonia 3 times, patients got no snack or liquid in the evening and some patients were physically abusive toward others. There were sanitation and staffing issues as well. Even though the patients wife, myself and several others made complaints to the state of Missouri, of what we saw, the nursing home passed inspections every time a team showed up. They knew when a team was in the nursing home. The home made lots of money from veterans. Last year the nursing home permanently lost its contract with the VA and that made us happy but we still knew patients there. A person has to be very careful using a video camera in the facilities because no ones identity can be shown due to privacy aspects. This goes on all over the USA every day. But on the other hand, there is a church run nonprofit facility and a small nursing home in 2 other towns which are excellent facilities. Both show pride in patient care. I’ve known people who were in both of them also and the staff, friendliness and care were wonderful, no smell either.

One of my friends participates in the Ombudsman program that looks out for nursing home residents. He has 4 people that he checks on and keeps up with how they are being treated. I think the Ombudsman program is available in other states too. It’s a little bit like the Humane Society I guess but these very kind people are making sure nursing home residents have an advocate when they need one to look out for their best interests.

There are a lot of abuse going on in Nursing homes, when my daddy was in one I was there every day, to make sure he got feed, He was blind, bed ridden, they would bring his tray in and leave it, I got the ombudsman a couple times on a few things they did, some of the nursing home people didn’t like me, but others thought it was great that I was watching out for him. the reason I didn’t have him at home, I was already taking care of my father in law with Alzheimer’s, but I was there every day, Its up to the family to see they get good care. I seen so many just put in there and for gotten about, I am sorry , You got me on my soap box. Mil- Lou

More common than most people know that is why it is so important for those who have relatives and/or friends in nursing homes to visit them more often making the nursing home caregivers aware that you can drop in most anytime.

As a registered nurse I have worked in many aged nursing homes full time and as a agency nurse. Most people who work in aged care truly give high care. Unfortunately there are some evil, lazy and cruel people who work in aged care, disability sections, mental health and places where the patient client is unable to speak out and are at the mercy of these carers. Sadly many people who work with them are fully aware of what they are doing and do nothing, I am not sure if it is out of fear or ignoring it. I do not and will not hesitate to speak to a person who I feel is mistreating the person in need of care. I always tread carefully as these people are very tricky and I make sure of facts before I report them. Sometimes when they know someone is watching they will stop. The tragic thing is they target those who do not have family and friends visit.

Often the ones running the home due to staff shortages also are fully aware of this happening.

i have a sister who has been a cna for over 45 years — and her daughter is director of nursing at a different nursing home — both of there homes are small one in small communities — now i will not say every one who works there are saints — but everyone knows you can not **** in a small town with out everyone knowing — but you never hear anything but great things about these two homes!!!

i thought i wanted to be a cna..well i worked in a nursing years ago and this other cna, that i’ve known since kids..well she was suppose to feed this little lady and she thought the little lady was eating to slow so she flushed her food down the toilet..this cna is now a nurse at a mental hospital, i can only imagine the abuse..but i think, if there are more cameras, maybe that would help