Terra Nova Films presents a 20-minute film, Fighting for Dignity – a film on Injurious and Fatal Resident-to-Resident Incidents in Long-term Care Homes.
Dignity, as defined in this preview is “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.” [Due to the graphic content of this film, you may need to sign into your YouTube account to confirm you are age 21 or older.]
The video tells the story of three families who were harmed in long-term care homes.
Rick J Scheidt, PhD, Helen Q Kivnick, PhD, and Jim VandenBosch, MA reviewed Fighting for Dignity in detail in The Gerontologist and offer a warning. “Fighting for Dignity, directed by Eilon Caspi and Judy Berry, is a provocative, and, at times, shocking video about injurious and fatal resident-to-resident incidents in long-term care. Viewer discretion is advised at the outset due to some scenes containing graphic images of victim injuries and acts of violence resulting in serious physical injury.”
We rarely see reports of residents injuring one another, and yet, they occur and likely more frequently than staff-resident abuse. Injuries may be physical or psychological. leaving both physical and emotional scars upon residents and their families.
This film urges policy makers and care professionals to become aware and begin to act. Realistically, employment trends have changed in a post-COVID world and since this film was made. There is a shortage of workers willing to serve as caregivers.
We do not have enough caregivers to fill the need.
When nursing homes lack adequate staffing, response times to residents’ pleas for help suffer. Even a one-minute delay may prove detrimental.
We all suffer. The abused. Families. Nursing care. Society.
Let us begin by heeding family member, Monia Parker’s tearful warning after her father suffered brain bleeding due to his roommate’s attack. He had repeatedly warned the staff and his daughter about his roommate. Ms. Parker begs families to listen then act:
If your family member tells you that something is going on, that something is not right, do something as soon as possible. I don’t care how many times you have to call, how many times you have to write, how many times you have to… stand over them [care home representatives] to get what you want. Do not give up. Do not let them brush it under the rug like nothing is happening.
Next, we need to raise staffing levels.
While fewer caregivers are working in care homes, residents remain at greater risk of injury or even death at the hands of other residents.
With staff shortages, tight budgets, accountability missing, the professionals we depend upon to care for our loved ones are not able to keep up.
Two steps must be taken to reduce these abusive incidents.
One, train staff members to constructively address abusive and potentially harmful behaviors. Medicating residents into a coma-like state is not the answer. Two, more staff members are needed to stimulate residents with activities and interaction to reduce these aggressive tendencies.
Sure, we can create policies and police nursing homes into oblivion—we already have. Families too, need to be present and engaged in the care of their loved ones. Nursing homes should not be dumping grounds but rather second homes for families who are unable to provide hands-on care for their loved ones. Families must weigh two options—one, finding the best care and two, finding this second home that is close enough to remain involved. This is not always possible; especially, in rural areas.
Safety comes first.
When nursing homes lack adequate staffing, response times to residents’ pleas for help suffer. Even a one-minute delay may prove detrimental for the victim.
The film does point out that “persons with dementia are not inherently aggressive, violent, abusive, or dangerous. Further, we learn that these incidents occur most often when emotional and physical needs of residents are not being met due to inadequate staffing levels and insufficient training.”
Available to rent from Terra Nova Films for only $4. Be aware. Your actions may potentially save a life.
From their website: Terra Nova Films creates, produces, distributes, and presents films and videos on aging and elderhood..
For more on nursing home abuse, scan the titles that populate on this search:
https://thecaregiversvoice.com?s=abuse
