Memory Care Assault Due to Lack of Supervision
Memory Care Assault. Due to the fact that many of the residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia memory care assault is a real risk that needs to be addressed. Well trained staff who know how to redirect residents who are upset and separate those who are a risk from others, is a key to reducing the environment which leads to aggravated interactions.
Even though a memory care facility may charge more per month than other types of elder care providers including nursing homes, the staff is not generally well trained and they are not there to provide medical care unless they are coming in to see a resident as contracted services.
According to Minnesota Statute 144D.065 (a)(2), direct-care employees must have completed at least eight hours of initial training on topics specified under paragraph (b) within 160 working hours of the employment start date. The specialized training under paragraph (b) includes:
(b) Areas of required training include:
(1) an explanation of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders;
(2) assistance with activities of daily living;
(3) problem solving with challenging behaviors; and
(4) communication skills.
As you can see the training for specialized memory care staff is very limited and does not include any medical training what-so-ever. The lack of training with many resident which have limited mobility and other medical and physical issues leads to many forms of preventable situations including assault to vulnerable residents from other residents and unfortunately sometimes staff.
Memory Care Assault by Other Residents
Due to problems with confusion and cognitive issues related to Alzheimer’s or dementia or medications, loss of vision or hearing or some other reason, residents can become agitated and irritated with each other and if not properly supervised and controlled there can be assaults some leading to serious falls, and other injuries such as head injuries with subdural hematomas.
Memory Care Assault by Staff Members
There are unfortunately situations where staff members lose control of their temper and inappropriately let their frustration on staffing issue or personal problems out on the residents dependent on their assistance and supervision. There is no excuse for elder abuse ever. Management has to take all reasonable measures to protect the safety of residents from abuse by staff including background checks of the staff, training on Alzheimer’s and dementia and issues related to providing care to those with cognitive issues. There should be a climate in the organization to treat all the clients with respect and dignity and to report any concerns about abuse to residents from staff or other residents to management and the department of health.
Minnesota is a one person consent video state which means that you can place a hidden camera in the room of a resident. The room is a private space just like an apartment in any other building and the resident can have a hidden camera if the resident and/or their legal representative consents to the recording.
Memory Care Assault Reporting
According to Minn. Statute 144.7065, Subd. 7, potential criminal events, events reportable under this subdivision are:
(1) any instance of care ordered by or provided by someone impersonating a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other licensed health care provider;
(2) abduction of a patient of any age;
(3) sexual assault on a patient within or on the grounds of a facility; and
(4) death or serious injury of a patient or staff member resulting from a physical assault that occurs within or on the grounds of a facility.
In addition to the reporting requirements for the facility you should also report any physical abuse to the local police department and the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaint, OHFC. See the attached for more information about reporting elder abuse and neglect.
If you have questions about physical assault or abuse in a memory care facility or other elder provider or nursing home or other elder abuse and neglect issues contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.
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