There are close to 15,000 nursing homes across the United States. According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), on any given day, more than 1.3 million individuals receive care in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. This amounts to more than 4 million adults receiving care each year. These licensed facilities are generally considered safe, peaceful, healing places, but that is not always the case. Unfortunately, there are times when nursing home residents face aggression from their peers. This is known as a resident-to-resident altercation.
A nursing home should always be a protective and comforting facility for all residents. Aggression is an issue that must be addressed, and the proper measures should be in place to prevent this type of abuse from occurring.
What Are Resident-to-Resident Altercations?
It is important for families and their loved ones who reside in a nursing home to understand that each resident there has the right to be free from abuse, neglect and corporal punishment of any type by anyone.
A resident-to-resident altercation should be reviewed as a potential form of abuse and be primarily investigated by state survey agencies (typically the Department of Health), Adult Protective Services (APS), and local law enforcement.
These incidents are often defined as physical or verbal abuse toward another resident. The abuse can also be sexual or willful in nature.
These altercations can disrupt the peace of any nursing home, frighten its residents or bring harm to individuals living there. Resident-to-resident altercations can be triggered by frustration, confusion or unmet needs. In other instances, a nursing home resident with dementia can act out toward other nursing home residents because this individual is feeling anxious or agitated.
How Staff Can Recognize These Early Symptoms
Detecting “bad” behavior at the onset can be very helpful in stemming these altercations. Spotting potential issues and addressing them promptly is essential. For example, well-trained staff members may notice behavioral indicators in some nursing home residents, such as verbal outbursts, physical confrontations or increased agitation.
Victims of these alleged abuses can also be affected and respond in several ways. A resident-to-resident altercation can result in a victim suddenly withdrawing from social activities or exhibiting anxiety, depression or fear in certain situations. A staff member might also observe unexplained bruising or other visible symptoms of abuse.
Every nursing home is required to be vigilant in handling aggressive incidents and reporting them. Without maintaining proper protocol, the needs and lives of nursing home residents will hang in the balance.
How Facilities Can Implement Preventive Strategies
Health care providers and/or staff can play a critical role in stopping aggressive behavior from escalating between nursing home residents. Vigilance matters, but more importantly, it is a facility that requires effective staff training.
For example, education about common behavioral changes in aging adults, with conditions such as dementia or mental health disorders, can be key in understanding why aggression occurs. This knowledge and training can help staff respond with empathy and patience.
Conflict-resolution techniques are another method of response that nursing home facilities find successful in avoiding escalation. Resident-to-resident altercations can often be subdued and managed constructively via active listening, negotiation and mediation.
Another way of preventing potentially abusive situations comes down to promoting a safe and supportive environment for all nursing home residents. For instance, social events and activities organized to establish positive relationships between residents are always a plus. Allowing residents to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment can go a long way.
Also, involving the families and/or friends of nursing home residents can increase their trust in the facility. A staff that works closely with family members to understand residents’ unique needs and preferences is important and can promote long-term satisfaction.
A positive workplace environment can not be ignored. When a team is well-trained and appreciated by its company, these efforts can make a major difference. The staff should feel supported and competent. In turn, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to providing quality nursing home care. No nursing home facility likes to see a high turnover rate. Residents want to feel respected and cared for.
Harmony Maintained Through a Balanced Approach
Resident-to-resident altercations can occur in nursing homes throughout the United States, but when a proactive method is taken, these incidents can be handled promptly and appropriately. It’s also up to the families to take action when their loved one is the victim of alleged abuse by another resident. Family members should also keep a close eye on medications their loved one is taking. For diabetic patients, insulin safety in nursing homes is vital.
The best way to do this is to file a formal complaint to begin an investigation into the incident. It’s essential to document the situation and gather key details. This is important to support any claims made against the nursing home facility. Understanding the rights of nursing home residents allows you, as the family, to advocate effectively for your loved one’s safety and well-being.
Every nursing home should offer comfort and security to its residents, and open communication between staff, residents and families can help maintain a nurturing environment. Additionally, the right legal support can offer a valuable resource for your loved one’s well-being.
If you suspect that your nursing home resident may be a victim of a resident-to-resident altercation, contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer for professional guidance. You are not alone. Every nursing home has the legal and moral duty to assess risks, supervise residents and prevent foreseeable harm. A compassionate and skilled legal expert can bring justice and peace of mind to families and their most vulnerable loved ones.
