You have two elderly relatives who you think are not being treated wel by their nursing home. You are not sure what to do. You speak to your parents about it and they suggest you research this issue. They know there are some mandates in the Ava regarding elderly care. Perform research regarding the elder justice act to determine if there are any solutions to their problem. cite your source and apa style
Title: Exploring the Elder Justice Act: A Solution to Address Concerns in Nursing Home Care
Introduction:
The treatment of elderly residents in nursing homes has become a pressing issue, raising concerns about their well-being and care. Addressing these concerns requires an understanding of the legal framework in place to protect elderly individuals residing in long-term care facilities. One key legislation in the United States aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of seniors is the Elder Justice Act (EJA). This paper aims to provide an overview of the EJA, explore its provisions, and assess its potential as a solution to address the problem at hand.
Background of the Elder Justice Act:
The Elder Justice Act was initially introduced as a provision within the Affordable Care Act in 2010. It encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at preventing elder abuse, promoting awareness, and ensuring appropriate treatment for the elderly population in long-term care settings (Ulbricht et al., 2016). By establishing a comprehensive framework to address elder abuse and protect vulnerable older adults, the EJA aims to enhance the quality of care provided by nursing homes.
Overview of the Elder Justice Act:
The EJA offers several provisions to tackle elder abuse and improve the overall quality of care provided in nursing homes. These provisions include:
1. Mandatory Reporting:
Under the EJA, nursing home staff, administrators, and other healthcare professionals are required to report any suspicion of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation (Ulbricht et al., 2016). This provision ensures that potential cases of mistreatment are identified and addressed promptly, which can help prevent further harm to elderly residents.
2. Comprehensive Consumer Protection:
The EJA establishes a wide range of safeguards to protect the rights and interests of elderly residents, addressing issues such as personal property, financial exploitation, and access to necessary medical care (Ulbricht et al., 2016). By ensuring that residents are treated with dignity and respect, the act promotes a higher standard of care within nursing homes.
3. Coordination and Collaboration:
To effectively combat elder abuse, the EJA emphasizes the importance of collaboration among agencies and organizations involved in the provision of elder care. This includes partnering with law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services, and community-based organizations to investigate reports of abuse and implement appropriate interventions (Ulbricht et al., 2016). This coordinated approach can enhance the prevention, identification, and prosecution of elder abuse cases.
4. Training and Education:
Recognizing the significance of education and training in preventing and addressing elder abuse, the EJA allocates funds to support training programs that educate healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and other relevant stakeholders (Ulbricht et al., 2016). By increasing awareness and knowledge about elder abuse, the act aims to improve the detection and response to mistreatment within nursing homes.
Potential Solutions for Elder Care Issues:
Considering the concerns raised regarding the mistreatment of elderly relatives in nursing homes, the EJA offers potential solutions to address these issues. The mandatory reporting provision ensures that cases of abuse or neglect are not overlooked, and appropriate action is taken in response. This can help bring immediate attention to any mistreatment experienced by elderly residents.
Furthermore, the comprehensive consumer protection measures established by the EJA work towards safeguarding the rights and interests of nursing home residents. By addressing issues such as financial exploitation and access to necessary medical care, the act aims to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals within long-term care facilities.
Coordination and collaboration fostered by the EJA further enhance the effectiveness of combating elder abuse. By aligning multiple agencies and organizations, the act encourages a holistic and coordinated approach that allows for effective investigation and intervention in suspected abuse cases.
Lastly, the emphasis on training and education provided by the EJA ensures that healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, and other professionals involved in elder care receive the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and respond to cases of elder abuse effectively.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Elder Justice Act serves as a potential solution to address concerns regarding the mistreatment of elderly individuals in nursing homes. By establishing mandatory reporting, comprehensive consumer protection, coordination and collaboration, as well as training and education provisions, the act aims to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly population in long-term care settings. However, while the EJA provides a legal framework, effective implementation and enforcement of its provisions remain crucial to ensuring the desired impact.