UK concern over elder abuse issue

June 20, 2012 - PRLog -- The recent case of Mrs Maria Worroll, an Alzheimer sufferer whose abuse at a care home formed the subject of a Panorama programme, has highlighted society’s concern about elderly abuse.

Mrs Worroll was caught on camera being abused by a care-worker at a London care home, footage which formed the basis of the BBC programme and resulted in Jonathan Aquino, 30, being jailed for 18 months for the assault while four of his female colleagues were sacked.

The abuse case only came to light once her daughter, Jane, used a hidden camera to film the shocking scenes. They were disturbing and frightening to the many people who have elderly loved ones being cared for in homes.

The Care Quality Commission, an independent industry watchdog, make unannounced visits to all care and nursing homes in England to inspect whether minimum Government standards are being observed. They take action against those who fail to operate in a professional and compassionate manner.

Her case highlights an increasingly worrying sign during a modern age when, with increased in medical technology, we can all expect to live longer and may need the services of a care or nursing home at some stage in our lives.

Cases like that involving Mrs Worroll, though, emphasise that there are some victims of abuse that remain undetected. So, what are the signs that may suggest that someone is suffering from abuse?

•   Confusion or disorientation
•   Sudden or unexpected weight loss
•   Signs of depression or withdrawal
•   Fractures, broken bones, bruising or other wounds
•   A greater unwillingness to communicate than before
•   Changes in behaviour that may be out of character
•   The elderly person or loved one being unable to see visitors without a member of staff being present.

None of those signs are clear cut indicators that a loved one is definitely being abused, but they can be a good pointer towards evidence of mistreatment. Of course, there is no fixed pattern to care home abuse and it can manifest itself in many forms.

The definition of elder abuse, as agreed by the World Health Organisation, is: “a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

Physical abuse can be delivered through force-feeding, slapping a patient, pushing or even being unsympathetic to their frailty and treating them in a rough or inconsiderate manner. There are also other forms of abuse, including mental and emotional distress such as humiliation or embarrassment, ignoring them, making them feel they are a burden or even a carer or family member exploiting them financially.

National bodies like the CQC are there to protect elderly people but if the victim of the abuse has suffered physical or mental harm as a direct result of their mistreatment, they may also be able to claim compensation.

If the abuse took place in a care home or hospital, there could be a claim against those in charge of the home or hospital for failing in their duty of care to the injured person and it may also be possible to pursue a claim from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

As this is such an emotive subject for everybody involved, it is advisable to seek the help of our specialist team at FRANCIS ALEXANDER SOLICITORS. We pride ourselves on our customer service and guide you through every step of the process. We can be contacted on 0161-432-3633 or e-mail: info@francisalexandersolicitors.co.uk

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