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| Elder Abuse - Let's Fight It! |
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by Linda America - November 21, 2011
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Now more than ever, it is important for us to look out for our elderly citizens. Elder Abuse is one of the most hidden problems in our nation today. It is being swept under the rug, and not much emphasis is being placed on these horrific acts of violence. As clinicians, I believe it is our responsibility to be able to differentiate between Accidental Abuse versus Inflicted Abuse. I think that we as Nurses have set the bar with our on point assessment skills, and I say, keep up the good work!
We want to bring this growing problem to the forefront so that it becomes a PRIORITY right now. Let's get the ball rolling!.....
Stay tuned........
Linda America was born and raised in New York City, NY. While growing up, her parents taught her that it was important to help others and try to make a difference in the life of someone else. She participated in many fundraisers, charity events, marathons and blood drives while living in New York and eventually moved to California after graduating high school. With a focus on Fine Arts, she moved to California on an academic scholarship to a number of great schools. While her focus was not nursing at that time, she had her heart set on becoming a pediatrician. After about 2 years, and after speaking with a total stranger about Nursing, she decided that this was what she wanted to do. Linda has worked in this field for about 15 years with experience in Pediatrics, ICU, Emergency Nursing and Case Management. She has also used her nursing knowledge in the entertainment Industry, having worked on several TV shows and documentaries, giving her the ability to combine her Fine Arts education with nursing.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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| Matthew Mosley (Maryland) |
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:01 am |
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| Good day Ms America. Just a thought. Would you agree with, the high cost of living imposed upon the elderly, such as rent for living quarters in nursing homes and the high cost of their medicines, is a form of abuse? If so, what's your opinion on correcting this issue? If not, then why not? |
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| Linda America (California) |
on 01 Feb 2012 at 3:18 pm |
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Hello Matthew,
thank you for your input. I am so saddened to hear that one of your family members has been a victim of elder abuse. I am hoping that with the continued fight and efforts of all of us which can bring increased awareness INTERNATIONALLY to this "silent killer". My best to you, we will fight together!!!! |
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| Matthew Mosley (New York) |
on 31 Jan 2012 at 11:27 pm |
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| Wow. What great achievements and greater impacts Marie Therese Connelly has made in society and in the lives of many individuals. With so many battles and warship occurring socially, economically, medically, politically and so on, I believe for each of society's ills, Providence has appointed certain individuals to reveal the corruption that erodes families, communities, governments AND humanity at large. Yet equipping them with the 'stones' they'll need to bring down these Goliaths. I had an aunt who suffered much while in the uncaring hands of workers at a nursing home in Washington DC. How can an eighty plus old bedridden woman fracture her ankle? And no one know about it? Her older sister did not want the stress of a legal pursuit, so I couldn't do anything for her. I can relate to your compelling passion to help the elderly. |
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| Linda America (California) |
on 31 Jan 2012 at 6:20 pm |
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| I am thankful for everyone\'s comments on this serious topic. This is a WAR, not just some simple problem. I believe that alot of the time, the wrong people are being hired in the positions of taking care of other people. It takes a special person to be able to listen, hear, and have compassion for those less fortunate, those that are ill and the elderly. My greatest joy is and continues to be taking care of the elderly. We in this country are so consumed with self, that we have forgotten the simple things that mean so much. The politics in this industry is sickening and somehow, someway has to stop. To Jins, do not worry about doing good, you will soon receive your blessings for standing up and doing the right thing, especially for others. In answer to the question who do we contact, yes, our US government has to get involved because this has gone on too much. I came across an article in the local newspaper about a woman in Washington who has devoted her life to attacking elder abuse. Her name is Marie-Theresa Connolly. She is the founder and director of a non profit group called Life Long Justice. Please google her and read about her wonderful efforts. She is fighting everyday for our Elders and I am joining her! Look her up, she is awesome! Thank you, and keep writing! smile..... |
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| Matthew (New York) |
on 31 Jan 2012 at 2:39 pm |
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| I agree with with you Linda just as I did when we attended school togther back in the day. The elderly just as our children and abused children need courageous advocates to defend them. It's unfortunate, that Longterm Care businesses do not care and do manage themselves solely as BUSINESS nothing personal. Rarely, does anyone find compassion manifested in nursing homes. Maybe that should be a requirement for job applicants. So, do we write our senators, congressmen and women and other politicians to make change happen? |
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| Linda America (California) |
on 01 Dec 2011 at 5:53 pm |
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Hello Ty,
would love to hear what you have to say! |
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| Linda America (California) |
on 01 Dec 2011 at 5:51 pm |
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Hello K. Slavery,
thank you for your input. I applaude you for taking the road of integrity to help stop elder abuse. It is indeed a war, but I am willing to do the battle - IT HAS TO STOP!
Thank you, stay tuned.... |
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| K.Slavey (Kentucky) |
on 01 Dec 2011 at 4:30 pm |
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| I have been in nursing for 20-years. The elderly are my heros'. When working Geriatrics/Lonterm care, fighting abuse is a daily battle. Many nurses turn there heads and go about nursings daily routine. I however, have been dismissed from several nursing positions for reporting abuse events. Healthcare is a business. Each time that I have reported it, I was considerd bad for business. Within 24 to 48 hours was fired. Eventhough, I had implemented problem solving steps and critical thinking skills within my job discription, as well as using my chain of command appropriately; the outcome is always termination. A couple of times the person I reported was terminated the same day as myself. According to cooperate, problem solved. Thus, myself and the abuser was considered bad for business. Elderly abuse is not just a battle , it is a WAR. INdeed , it will take more than one soldier. |
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| jins (ny) |
on 30 Nov 2011 at 8:03 pm |
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| I would like to share thoughts on this topic..ty |
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