How Do We Prevent Elder Abuse in NJ?
A Boonton Care Center CNA in Morris County was recently accused of abusing a nursing home resident who would not get up
Recent articles about NJ nursing home abuse, like in Boonton Care Center, reminds us how important it is to have the best hiring and screening practices in place for caregivers. “Elder abuse is often a hidden secret in many of the places that families trust to take care of their elderly. At times unnoticed by overworked and frequently overwhelmed staff who may miss or simply ignore maltreatment by others, abuse in long-term care facilities typically has few witnesses. Victims with minds clouded by dementia often are unaware of how they received bumps, bruises or even broken bones.”
NJ Advance Media did an analysis of federal nursing home inspection reports filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and found that abuse-related citations nationwide are on the rise, jumping to 4,107 in 2018, up from 3,083 in 2016. “It is likely just the tip of the iceberg” advocates say. A report in June by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that nursing homes fail to report nearly 1 in 5 potential cases of abuse.
“In New Jersey, there were about 30 complaints investigated by federal regulators last year involving abuse allegations, most calling out a facility’s failure to quickly notify the state Department of Health. 1 in 10 elderly persons reported emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or potential neglect. However, many cases are not reported because the elderly are afraid or unable to tell protective services, police, friends, or family.”
The Government Accountability Office found that the number of abuse citations in nursing homes, while relatively rare, doubled from 2013 to 2017. Physical, mental or verbal abuse was most common, followed by sexual abuse. The perpetrators were often staff. To read more, Click Here:
BrightStar Care provides personnel to hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, labs and anywhere healthcare staff is needed, including in the home. Our nurses and caregivers pass in-depth screenings, license verification, background checks, and receive ongoing training. This is how we help insure a Higher Standard of Care and aide in the prevention of elder abuse.
The BrightStar Care Standards:
- Be Open & Positive – Compassionate and kind
- Serve with Passion – Make a real difference
- Do the Right Thing – Honest and trustworthy
- Do What We Say – Be accountable
- Make It Great – Exceed expectations
BrightStar Care of Morris County provides a full continuum of private duty home care services, including companionship, personal care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more, to improve the lives of those living with disabilities.
To Learn More About BrightStar Care in Morris County please contact us at 973-898-0800 or Click HERE.