{Words to Consider}

Photo Credit: {i can read}

     

     Today in my Certified Nursing Assistant training course at the local Red Cross Chapter we had extra time in our class so our instructor took the time to share an article recently written in the Star Tribune {website link}. It spoke of all the horrendous things that has been happening in the state of Minnesota long-term-care facilities of the elderly and how they are not being held responsible for their actions. During class when we read it and discussed it most of the people were commenting on the individual actions of nursing assistance who had abused their residents, physically, emotionally, and sexually and basically getting away with it scott-free. After listening to a few people's comments I suggested that the bigger issue at hand wasn't the fact that people were doing these actions but that the system that is supposed to protect us and prosecute the perpetrators weren't doing their job, and instead it was reinforcing what this photo says above, "We live in a society that teaches; DON'T GET RAPED instead of DON'T RAPE." 

     The systems in law are not working the way they should and are not catered to the people that are harmed where more than half of them are cognitively impaired and not going to live much longer, this shouldn't excuse the behavior or make the behavior okay. This should be more reason to act swiftly and meticulously on each case reported. Follow this link {here} to the article on Star Tribune's website and make your own judgment call. Let us remember if we have elderly in our lives that are in nursing care facilities, visit them often and unannounced because that can insure they are going to be safe and if somethings the problem you can address it immediately. In addition if you suspect any type of abuse is happening either at work, school, home, etc. REPORT it, call 9-1-1, assume if you don't no one else will and that person's life and well-being is on the line. Violence is a problem, not a solution. It is important to stay informed and do something when you learn about things that are happening in your community. Be Educated, Be Empowered.

Article: Violated: 'Broken' system fails elderly abuse victims

Author: Brad Schrade of Star Tribune

Date: June 9, 2011

Article Link {here}