ABUSE.........

Something no one should be a part of!

There are different types of abuse, and everyone should be aware of them. And anyone can be the abuser. Residents can be abused by staff members, family members, other residents, or even visitors. Any signs of abuse should be reported immediately to your supervisor. Here is a list of the different types of abuse and things to look for:

Physical abuse:
   * Hitting, slapping, pinching, or kicking
   * Any physical contact that intentionally causes pain or discomfort
   * Corporal punishment - inflicting pain on residents to force them
      to follow orders
Sexual abuse:
   * Using physical means or verbal threats to force a resident to per-
      form any sexual act, including fondling, kissing, or sexual inter-
      course
   * Teasing or tormenting a resident with sexual gestures or words
Verbal abuse:
   * Talking to the resident in a sarcastic or rough manner
   * Using crude slang or swearing
   * Using gestures that are considered demeaning or obscene
   * Using any other name other than their given names. Unless it is
      charted that they prefer to be called by another name.
Mental abuse:
   * Making verbal threats to hurt or punish a resident, that is, telling
      telling a resident you will put him in a restraint if he doesn't
      obey you
   * Humiliating a resident, that is, embarrassing a resident who wets
      her pants
   * Separating a resident from other residents against the resident's
      will (involuntary seclusion), unless it is a part of a therapeutic
      plan and is documented. Involuntary seclusion may be used if
      resident's actions endanger or offend other residents, such as
      cursing or being physically aggressive.

Physical and psychosocial neglect may be considered forms of abuse.
Neglect is the failure to provide safe care. Some examples:

   * Not meeting the resident's physical need for food, fluids, rest,
      activity, oxygen, cleanliness, shelter and elimination. This is
      physical neglect.
   * Actions by staff that make the resident agitated or depressed.
      This is psychosocial neglect.

      No resident deserves to be abused or to live in fear. Preventing
all forms of abuse is everyone's responsibility. If you see someone
being abused and do not report it, you are also guilty!
      Caring for residents requires patience and tolerance. Find your-
self getting tense or short-tempered, WALK AWAY! It's the best thing you can do for the resident and yourself!