Seniors in nursing homes are often afraid to report elder abuse

CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County commissioners are encouraging residents of long-term care centers to exercise their rights.

Incidents of elder abuse in nursing homes often go unreported, and seniors who report them typically fear retaliation.

The commissioners recently proclaimed October 2018 as Residents’ Rights Month in the county. The theme “Speak Up: Know Your Rights and How to Use Them” emphasizes that residents must be informed about their rights and must be partners in achieving quality care and quality of life.

It's sometimes a scary place

About 60 percent of residents in long-term care centers have no relative or loved one checking in on them, according to Angie Pickel, staff ombudsman for Franklin County.

A National Elder Abuse Incidence Study indicated that about 20 percent of cases of neglect, exploitation, abuse or self-neglect are reported. About 80 percent of residents reporting abuse in long-term care centers fear retribution from the staff.

“It’s a scary place,” Pickle said.

Across the country, residents of long-term care centers, their family members, ombudsmen, citizen advocates, center staff and others honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents’ Rights Month.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging in July identified the county Area Agency on Aging as a best practice site for Guardianship Services. The state in June gave the county a green rating for its Older Adult Protective Services program.

“We’re proud of the programs and services that Franklin County offers to aging residents and the excellence in which they’re delivered,” commissioner’s Chairman Dave Keller said.

The Franklin County Area Agency on Aging conducts Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents training sessions. The PEER program trains resident advocates to work with facilities, staff and residents to enhance quality of care and quality of life for their peers. The program, initiated in 2002, encourages long-term care residents to volunteer their time and expertise to self-advocacy issues.

Franklin County staff and volunteer ombudsmen will conduct training for nursing home staff, residents and their families in October at many of the local centers. For more information, contact Angie Pickel, staff ombudsman for Franklin County, at 717-261-0631 or at arpickel@franklincountypa.gov.



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Seniors in nursing homes are often afraid to report elder abuse