Though the patient did not sustain injuries that are permanent in nature, the CNA was fired from her position and will face criminal charges of: injury to the elderly and disabled reckless bodily injury.
Caring For Patients With Alzheimer’s
Ok, let’s face it. When it comes to being a caregiver for a person– old or young– it can be difficult, sometimes thankless work. When it comes to caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s it really takes a special— and incredibly patient– person. Unlike other patients who may be re-directed to the task at hand, caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s may simply have to wait until the person is ready to do what ever the task may be.
Too often, a poorly trained or unsuitable caregiver may snap in frustration and take out their anger on the patient for who they are responsible for caring. Recognizing that combativeness is part of the disease, is important for all caregivers to acknowledge.
When selecting a nursing home for a patient with Alzheimer’s, families should ask the facility the following questions:
- How many Alzheimer’s patients do you have?
- Have staff received any specialized Alzheimer’s training?
- Are staffing levels increased for Alzheimer’s patients?
- Do you have a plan for when patients become combative?
For laws related to Texas nursing homes, look here.