St.Francis Nursing Home Raid (Potentially) Exposes Misconduct
Last week, St. Francis Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare of Darby, Pennsylvania was raided due to an inspection in early August. The initial inspection was prompted by complaints of mistreatment of patients. Following the August inspection, an order from state regulators to revoke the license for St. Francis Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare due to supposed serious problems in the facility was paused on condition that the facility improve its care practices.
During the recent police raid, patients and their families were questioned about the condition of the facility and the treatment they have received from the staff. According to Philadelphia news stations, some families revealed their distrust and concerns with the way that the staff was taking care of their loved ones in the facility.
A Silent Epidemic: Nursing Home Neglect
“At the broadest level, more than two (2) million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost one (1) out of every ten (10) elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse.”
As our loved ones age, they become more dependent on constant care and supervision. As much as relatives try to provide care, they often do not have the skills, time, or general resources needed to look after their loved ones. Family members often postpone the decision to place their elder relatives or chronically ill loved ones into a nursing home. For many, the transition is inevitable.
People want to know that their loved ones are in a comfortable facility with a staff they can trust. Unfortunately, according to the Nursing Home Abuse Guide, nursing home abuse is statistically on the rise: “At the broadest level, more than two (2) million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost one (1) out of every ten (10) elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse”.
Be Alert for Signs of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
There are ways to prevent or catch elder abuse before it leads to serious consequences. While in the facility, it is important for family members to monitor the interactions between faculty and patients. There have been reported cases where the lack of competency of staff members puts patients in nursing homes at risk for injuries. Conversations with your aging parents about their experience in the facility are crucial for abuse prevention.
Also, make sure the faculty is licensed, properly trained and consistently gives your loved one the attention and care they deserve. Every patient in a nursing facility should feel as though they are heard, acknowledged, and cared for. Abuse from faculty is not always a physical matter. It is possible that a patient can experience nursing home abuse verbally and mentally. Mental abuse in the elderly population often leads to further complications such as depression and dementia.
