Question

Read the article below. Complete the four short answer questions using complete sentences.

1) Identify the social problem or problems (in at least one paragraph). 5 pts.

2)  Identify the subjective conditions (in at least one paragraph). 5 pts.

3) Identify the objective conditions (in at least one paragraph). 5 pts.

4) Describe how the social problem might be lessened or eliminated (in at least one paragraph)

Care home (Nursing Homes) whistleblowers increasing

More than 4,300 whistleblowers have come forward in the past 16 months to complain about the treatment of elderly and disabled people in nursing home care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - which regulates nursing homes and hospitals in England - said some of the complaints concerned care home residents being physically assaulted.

Complaints rose from 22 a month in December 2010 to 556 in March 2012. The CQC said whistleblowers included relatives and staff.

The commission said that among the issues raised were members of staff assaulting residents, refusing to take residents to the toilet, shouting at elderly and disabled patients and failing to respond to call bells.   There were also complaints about levels of staffing.

Amanda Sherlock, from the CQC, said the increase was partly linked to greater awareness following a BBC Panorama television program which exposed the abuse of patients at Winterbourne View private hospital near Bristol.

Chris Skidmore, a Conservative MP on the House of Commons Health Committee, obtained the information about the rise in complaints using a Freedom of Information request. He told the Times newspaper the figures were "alarming... suggesting that beneath the surface the scandal of poor quality care is still highly relevant."

Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, told the Times low-level incidents could develop into serious abuse. He said even walking into a resident's room before knocking could escalate: "Next it may be not closing the door when someone is on the toilet." Mr. FitzGerald claimed politicians had failed to stop the decline in standards of dignity for the elderly: "Labor started this degradation and the coalition has simply made it worse."

Answer 1

1.  The social problem is that members of staff assaulting residents of Care home (Nursing Homes) . A whistleblower is a person who exposes secretive information or activity that is deemed illegal, unethical, or not correct within a private or public organization. Whistleblowers play an important role in our democratic form of government by exposing corruption on many levels, including workplace injury, scientific fraud, financial corruption and sexual harassment. Whistleblowers should take the time to build up supporters and mobilize those who are sympathetic.Exploitation refers to the act or process of taking advantage of an elderly person by another person or caretaker whether for monetary, personal or other benefit, gain or profit. Even with mandatory reporting laws, elder abuse is believed to be an underreported crime. Some of the reasons that elders may not report include: Being unable to report, due to physical or mental ability. Depending on the abuser for care and basic needs.

2. The subjective conditions of this situation would be the words of Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, told the Times low-level incidents could develop into serious abuse. He said even walking into a resident's room before knocking could escalate: "Next it may be not closing the door when someone is on the toilet." Mr. FitzGerald claimed politicians had failed to stop the decline in standards of dignity for the elderly: "Labor started this degradation and the coalition has simply made it worse."The CQC commission said that among the issues raised were members of staff assaulting residents, refusing to take residents to the toilet, shouting at elderly and disabled patients and failing to respond to call bells.   There were also complaints about levels of staffing.

3. The objective conditions of this situation would be about More than 4,300 whistleblowers have come forward in the past 16 months to complain about the treatment of elderly and disabled people in nursing home care.The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - which regulates nursing homes and hospitals in England - said some of the complaints concerned care home residents being physically assaulted.Complaints rose from 22 a month in December 2010 to 556 in March 2012. The CQC said whistleblowers included relatives and staff.Chris Skidmore, a Conservative MP on the House of Commons Health Committee, obtained the information about the rise in complaints using a Freedom of Information request. He told the Times newspaper the figures were "alarming... suggesting that beneath the surface the scandal of poor quality care is still highly relevant."

4. There are many causes that may lead to elder abuse and assault. For example, senior communities may not have enough staff members to efficiently care for all the older people that need attention. The good news is that there are many different measures one can take to curb the rates of elder abuse overall and also prevent elder assault from taking place. If you're looking for ways to reduce elder abuse, consider the following:

a. Have your elders stay nearby and stay close to family if possible.-Elderly individuals that feel isolated can end up getting depressed or wallowing in sadness and loneliness. They may feel unwanted, like a burden, or feel like others don't know they exist. By keeping your elders nearby, you are able to offer them assistance when you notice that they need it, or they can easily come to you for help when needed. This reduces the chance of abuse and neglect.

b. Keep in contact with them.-By keeping in contact with your elders regularly, you're not only able to keep tabs on their daily activities and habits, but also offer help when they need it. Getting a medical alert system can also be a good option to know that a call for help is only a button press away. Keeping a good relationship will also make the elderly person feel comfortable enough to ask for assistance when they feel they need it. You'll also be able to look out for any abnormal changes that may signal abuse.

c.Encourage elders to attend community events.-As people get older, they may naturally feel more isolated. Attending community events will help them keep their social life active and stay in touch with things that are important to them.

d.Inform them of any solicitations they should be aware of.-While scams are not targeted solely to elders, older people may be more prone to falling for them if they aren't fully aware. When elders have people keeping them informed of any solicitations going on, they are less likely to get conned by someone trying to steal their identity or money.

e.Don't allow the elderly to live with others who you know are or may be abusive.-This one is pretty self explanatory, but worth mentioning. Someone with a repeated history of violence or abuse will likely manifest themselves again, especially to someone who is vulnerable and weak. Keep your elders away from these people to avoid unnecessary abuse.

f.Make sure they stay active.-Activity is important for everyone, no matter the age. Getting enough exercise everyday will help to curb depression and activate “happy hormones.” Staying active in old age can also prolong that person's life and decrease chances for abuse.

g. Elders should be responsible and aware of their own finances.-While it's normal for older people to entrust another family member to help manage their finances, they should ultimately be the one in control of them. By knowing where the money is going, elders are less likely to become victims of financial abuse.

h.Be selective with caregivers.-Caregivers are supposed to care for the elderly, but unfortunately some will put elders at risk for financial exploitation by altering their wills, adding names to financial accounts or land titles without their knowledge, or even use their money on expensive personal items behind their backs. If possible, look for trusted people who can provide additional care for the elderly in your family. This could be other family members or very close friends. If this is not plausible and you are looking for a caregiver, you'll want to do a thorough screening, and be sure to observe how the caretaker interacts with/treats the older person. Keep close tabs on the elder's behavior and changes in mood or appearance, as these can give off signs of abuse.

i.Take Advantage of Support Groups- Do your research and see what kind of support groups are available for elderly people to join. If you are an elderly person yourself trying to avoid or fight abuse, it may be worthwhile to look into one near you and see if you're able to join. If you are doing the research for someone, you may inform the older person of the different options that are available to them. Support groups allow people to connect with others facing similar issues, and abuse is less likely to go unnoticed. Elderly individuals who are a part of a social circle are less likely to become victims of abuse, and they are able to speak with each other about any tensions they may have in their lives.