Nursing Home Week Events

Here's a look at some of the other exciting happenings that took place during National Nursing Home Week.

Volunteer Appreciation

James McJunkins and Bill and Margaret Holbert

enjoy the Volunteer Appreciation Tea on Thursday of NNHW.  Autumn Care has over a dozen church groups and individuals who volunteer.  We are currently seeking additional groups and individuals who would like to help. Call the Activities Department for more information.

Thanks to Our Friends

Big thanks to all the organizations and individuals who honored our facility and staff during National Nursing Home Week.  While there are too many to name, we would like to say a special thanks to the following organizations:

Network Geriatrics

Hospice of the Carolina Foothills
Four Seasons Hospice

St. Luke's Hospital

Elder Abuse Awareness Month

RALEIGH - The image is not pretty. The examples may cause discomfort, and victims may not realize they need help. Elder abuse takes many forms and can sometimes be difficult to recognize. 

 Each year, more than 2 million vulnerable and older adults across the nation are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed May 6 through June 20 as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month in North Carolina.

Elder abuse is grossly underreported because vulnerable and older adults who are being abused find it difficult to tell anyone due to shame and fear. Elder abuse affects men and women of all ethnic backgrounds and social status; it occurs in private residences and in facilities. Research shows that older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited are three times more likely to die within 10 years than those who are not.  According to Dennis Streets, Division of Aging and Adult Services director. "Learning to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect is important to the well-being of seniors and vulnerable adults and helps them enjoy their lives with the dignity."

Signs of elder abuse may include:

• Bruises, burns, cuts, scratches
• Malnutrition
• Untreated medical condition(s)
• Unsafe or unsanitary housing
• Mental anguish and distress
• Mismanaged property or savings
• Inability to provide needed care.

What can you do to help raise awareness about elder abuse?

• Don't ignore this problem.  It's not going away.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the adult protective services in your county.
• Volunteer in local programs that provide assistance and support for vulnerable and older adults
• Educate yourself, family and community about elder abuse and other issues by visiting www.ncdhhs.gov/aging.

"Autumn Care has very specific rules about how staff interact with residents in order to ensure them the respect they deserve," said Glenn Pierce, Administrator.  "We have several in-services during the year regarding the issue, as well as working on a daily basis to help staff learn coping skills under stressful situations.  Unfortunately, that is something families and caregivers in the community don't have," he added.

"The issues involving possible abuse or neglect have been more financial for our residents, especially since the downturn in the economy," said Lesley Jones, Social Worker.  "Many families need those Social Security checks just to make ends meet," she added.

Autumn works closely with adult protective services in several counties.  "We visit the homes of residents being discharged to ensure their rehab matches the situation at home," says Matilda Patrick, Rehab Manager. "It's also an opportunity for us to view the home situation and note any possible problems we need to pass along to other agencies,"

.

If you suspect elder abuse in your family, friends or even at Autumn Care, we want to help you take action to prevent it.  We are always just a phone call away.