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How To Prevent Elder Abuse In A Hospital

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Can Elder Abuse Occur In A Hospital? When we discuss elder abuse, we typically think of nursing home abuse. While seniors are often the victim of abuse in nursing homes, the elder are also at risk for elder abuse in the hospital. Knowing the risks and signs of abuse is the first step in preventing elder abuse. Forms Of Elder Abuse or Neglect In Hospitals Elderly patients are at risk for certain forms of neglect or abuse in hospitals. Forms of abuse older patients are at risk for in the hospital include: • Bed Sores – If an adult cannot reposition himself or herself, pressure ulcers (i.e. bed sores) can form. Bed sores can lead to serious medical conditions if not treated quickly. • Falls – Seniors are at a high risk for falls. When they are under the …show more content…

They may not complain when something is wrong or they may not be able to complain. By being an advocate for your loved one can reduce the risk that he or she may be the victim of elder abuse in the hospital. Ways you can be a patient advocate include: • Have several copies of your loved one’s medical history, including a list of all current medications and allergies. Provide a copy to the doctor. Before a nurse or any other person administers medication to your loved one, ask for the name of the medication and what the medication is intended to treat. Make notes about the medications given to your loved one. • Watch for bed sores. If your loved one cannot move very well in the bed, note the times he repositions himself. Look for signs of bed sores and ask the nursing staff to turn your loved one periodically to avoid bed sores. • Do not let your loved one get out of bed without assistance. Call for assistance if your loved one needs to get out of bed for any reason. • Monitor how much your loved one eats. Make sure you or another family member is at the hospital during meals to ensure your loved one is

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