Monday, July 16, 2007

Texas Nursing Home Neglect – The News

Texas Nursing Home Neglect – The News

Unfortunately, as we get older, we all become vulnerable and frail. This could lead to some of being placed in nursing homes by families that are unable to cope with our ever-increasing needs. As a direct result of this, we are placed under the supervision of individuals that we may have never met in our lives before, and those individuals are supposed to care for the vulnerable as they would care for their own families. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and this leaves us all open to nursing home abuse. Nursing home abuse is not as widespread as it once was, but in certain states it is still a major problem. Much has been made of Texas nursing home neglect in recent years and this shows no sign of abating.

Texas nursing home neglect is still in the news for all of the wrong reasons, despite laws passed to try and combat it. A number of high profile cases have come to light since the 1980s, drawing the world’s attention to nursing home abuse in general. In 1999 and 2000, one in every three nursing homes were accused of neglect or abuse of the elderly in some way, shape or form. This could have occurred in many ways, from individuals interfering with the food right through to inappropriate conduct by carers and nursing assistants, and even the nurses themselves in some instances. Either way, it is nursing home abuse. This was widespread throughout the USA, but is by no means limited to that country. Countries all over the world are experiencing similar complaints, but not on the same level. This is why Texas nursing home neglect is so intriguing.

What makes Texas nursing home neglect so special when nursing home abuse is high throughout the world? The media drew attention to it as a result of some of the families of elders going to the press and it has snowballed since then. Texas nursing home neglect is not alone on its level of severity and there are likely to be worse cases of nursing home abuse elsewhere in the world, but none of those cases get as much worldwide coverage. It is a fact that any individual with an elderly family member in a nursing home should be vigilant, but all of the nursing home options should be examined prior to his or her admission. If you have not done your homework then you are giving the evil individuals of the world a free reign in the life of your relative.

However, the news on Texas nursing home neglect is not completely negative. It has led to a number of positive changes in the laws governing nursing homes that have been purposely designed to prevent further heartache and abuse in the future, and these laws are beginning to work. If we all work towards making the world a better place then we will eventually get there, but we have to take care of our families first. If you even suspect nursing home abuse then you should report it immediately, which again is highlighted by the Texas nursing home neglect cases. It is only if you resist turning a blind eye that the elderly people of the future, like you and me, can benefit.


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