Resident-to-resident aggression in long-term care facilities is a common yet frequently disregarded issue.
According to a recent New York Times report, as many as 20.2% of nursing home residents and 15% of assisted living residents encounter some form of aggression from their peers within a month. This aggression takes a toll on residents' physical and psychological well-being, resulting in injuries, heightened anxiety, and a diminished sense of safety.
Nursing facilities have a responsibility to ensure residents' safety, which includes safeguarding them from harm caused by other residents. When nursing facilities fail to address resident-to-resident aggression, they not only neglect their duty to protect their residents but also exacerbate the risk of harm within their care.
What factors contribute to personal conflicts and violence in nursing homes?
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of personal conflicts and violence in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, including:
- Cognitive impairment and dementia: Residents with cognitive decline may have difficulty understanding social cues, regulating their emotions, and communicating effectively. This often leads to frustration and aggression.
- Overcrowding and lack of personal space: When residents are forced to share rooms or live in close quarters, the lack of privacy and personal space can lead to increased tensions and conflicts.
- Understaffing and high caregiver caseloads: Insufficient staffing levels can result in inadequate monitoring and supervision of residents. This can allow aggressive incidents to escalate without timely intervention.
- Medication side effects, pain, and depression: Certain medications, chronic pain, and untreated depression can alter residents' moods and behaviors, which can increase the likelihood of aggressive outbursts.
What are the consequences of personal conflicts and violence in nursing homes?
The consequences of resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes are far-reaching and can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of those involved. Some of the most significant consequences include:
- Physical injuries: Aggressive incidents can result in falls, fractures, lacerations, and other physical injuries. Even seemingly minor altercations can have serious consequences for older adults with frail health or pre-existing conditions.
- Psychological impact on residents: Experiencing or witnessing aggression can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and a sense of vulnerability among residents. This can contribute to social isolation, depression, and a reduced quality of life.
- Increased healthcare costs and emergency room visits: Injuries sustained during aggressive incidents often require medical attention. This can lead to increased healthcare costs and frequent emergency room visits. This places an additional burden on both the residents and the healthcare system.
How can personal conflicts and violence in nursing homes be prevented?
To effectively address the issue of personal conflicts and violence in nursing homes, some key strategies include:
- Ensuring sufficient staffing levels allows for better supervision and monitoring of residents.
- Enabling staff to identify and intervene in potential conflicts before they escalate.
- Providing comprehensive training to staff members on how to recognize, report, and respond to aggressive incidents.
- Modifying the physical environment of long-term care facilities can help reduce the risk of aggression.
- Utilizing de-escalation techniques, such as active listening, validation of feelings, and redirection.
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is a victim of violence in a nursing home?
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of violence in a nursing home or personal care facility in Western Pennsylvania, you should immediately inform the nursing home's administrator about your concerns. They are required by law to investigate and address any allegations of abuse or neglect.
Keep a detailed record of any suspicious injuries, changes in behavior, or other signs of abuse. Take photographs of injuries, if possible, and maintain a log of incidents with dates, times, and descriptions.
You can also report the suspected abuse to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Division of Nursing Care Facilities, which is responsible for investigating complaints against nursing homes. You can file a complaint online, by phone, or by mail.
If you believe that your loved one is in immediate danger or has suffered serious harm, contact local law enforcement to report the crime and seek emergency assistance.
How do I get legal help for nursing home abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania?
The experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates in Pittsburgh are here to help you through this difficult situation. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of nursing home abuse cases, our team is committed to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of your loved one.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our services. Our fee comes from a percentage of the amount we recover for you and your loved one, meaning you can focus on your family's well-being while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Let us help you hold those responsible accountable and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys.
