If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you will want to make sure that the later years of his or her life are filled with comfort, safety and happiness. The nursing home itself has a responsibility to make sure that your loved one is taken care of and made to feel welcome and comfortable. However, unfortunately, this is not the experience of all nursing home residents.
Bullying in nursing homes is unfortunately becoming an epidemic across the United States, and it is simply not acceptable. Bullying and forms of emotional abuse can arise in nursing homes for many different reasons. Therefore, as a loved one of a nursing home resident, it is important that you understand some of the key causes so that you can take action if you become concerned.
Ignoring behavior of other residents
It is possible for residents in nursing homes to bully other residents. While this may be unavoidable to a certain extent, it is vital that nursing home staff put in place codes of conduct, and make sure to put a stop to any abusive behavior as soon as they witness it. Unfortunately, much of this behavior can go ignored, and residents suffer as a result.
Abusive staff
Nursing home staff are employed to be caring, but ironically this can sometimes be anything but the truth. Staff have been known to manipulate and bully residents. Residents may be too ashamed to call out this behavior.
If you are concerned about your loved one, it is always best to take action in order to protect them. The nursing home may be legally responsible for the events that took place.