Resident Abuse in Nursing Homes: Resolving Physical Abuse Complaints

摘要

The second of two reports, this report examines existing processes for resolvingphysical abuse complaints involving nursing home residents. Findings are the result of 232 interviews with individuals representing 35 states as well as national and Federal organizations which are either (1) involved with receiving, investigating, and/or resolving abuse complaints involving nursing homes residents or (2) knowledgeable and concerned about nursing home or elder issues. Seven categories of abuse are defined. Unlike the other six categories of abuse, physical abuse is generally easy to recognize and has more consistency of definition. Further, it is a form of abuse for which States may have developed a process for the resolution of such complaints. Resolution processes for physical abuse complaints, specifically, are weak and inadequate. Lack of communication and coordination among involved agencies, variation in interpretations of investigative responsibilities, and inadequate abuse record-keeping and oversight activities indicate vulnerabilities needing correction. The most important improvement would be the establishment of a state-wide network with a single entity responsible for the operation of ensuring reporting, investigating, resolving, and preventing abuse of nursing home residents.