Caring For The Vulnerable

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting another incident about the physical abuse being experienced in long-term care and/or retirement homes. In this latest case, the family was concerned about prior unexplained injuries and decided to install a camera in the room. What they saw was a personal care worker repeatedly hitting an 89 year-old man unable to defend himself, and with dementia issues, unable to tell his family what had happened. The decision by the family to install a video camera in the room was crucial in providing an explanation for injuries that are often explained as occurring as a result of a fall. While cameras in all areas where personal privacy is not a requirement may help in some situations, a greater emphasis must be placed on the overall suitability of those seeking employment as a personal care worker. Caring for the vulnerable, particularly those with dementia, is not just any job. It is a special vocation that requires someone with an above average level of empathy and patience. It should be an employment whereby the personal care worker is made aware they will lose their job with their first transgression.