News
Half A Million Nursing Home Patients Are Victims Of Abuse- 4th November
HALF a million elderly people are falling victim to abuse and are suffering neglect at the hands of care staff. Law firm Ralli has launched a nursing home abuse division in response to this worrying trend, revealed by Age Concern, and is determined to tackle the issue which is plaguing care homes around the UK.
The firm launched the UK's first interactive website, www.nursinghomeabuse.co.uk, for families and friends concerned about their loved ones in care in 2006 and the site has proved so popular a dedicated team has now been set up.
Managing partner Martin Coyne said the nursing home abuse team, including Richard Biggs, Geeta Tamber and Timothy Johnson, are tackling issues such as chemical coshing and malnutrition which are plaguing our ageing population.
He added: "It's important for people to realise abuse covers a wide variety of issues. We have dealt with cases from discrimination and poor treatment through to malnutrition and dehydration.
"We are an ageing population and we need to take action to stop this abuse now. Former care minister Ivan Lewis called for the abuse of an older person to be taken as seriously as that of a child. This should be the case.
"It's worrying to hear from The Alzheimer's Society that up to 40 per cent of patients are being prescribed high-strength sedatives, despite the risk to their health. It shows the various forms abuse can take.
"We want to let friends and relatives know they can seek help if they suspect mistreatment is occurring. This is a highly sensitive and complex area of the law and our dedicated team is determined to take action and advise people on actions to take if they suspect abuse is occurring."
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