I am an independent in-home caregiver for 96 yr old male hospice client. The wife lives in the home but also has a separate caregiver for a few hours a day. She has started yelling and hitting him in the arm when she comes to sit next to him and he falls asleep. He sleeps 18-20 hours a day. She actually punched him and called him a negative name. I understand frustration but hitting is an absolute NO in this profession. The other caregivers on my team told me to mind my own business! I reported it to hospice. What now?
It is of concern that other caregivers are not seeing what you are seeing? I think that your agency and you caregivers should conference to get an idea from your leaders on team what is and what isn't OK.
Physical abuse
Verbal abuse
Mental/psychological abuse
All reportable.
If you are in this profession you are a MANDATED reporter of ANY abuse
Report the abuse that you have seen and heard. document the abuse that you have seen and heard.
Reporting it to Hospice is the right thing to do.
Let them take it from this point.
They may be working on getting the patient into an In Patient Unit or facility they are working with so that he is safe and she gets respite.
Never ever tolerate elder abuse.
Report to Adult Protective Services immediately.
It is not only the right course of action, it is your responsibility to be an advocate for the welfare of your client. This is 110% unacceptable behavior.
This caregiver needs to be reported and she may be charged with assault and battery. Do not let this go.
Gena, Touch Matters