SING ASKS: WHAT ELSE IS NEW IN AGED CARE?
To read what happens to those who speak out about abuse, assault and wrongdoing, just read this website. This author first reported nursing home abuse in 2000. Nothing was done; nothing has changed. Have a look at the old stories below and consider what the future holds for those citizens who expect decent treatment in their elderly years. Unless aged care is taken seriously by those in positions of power, the future looks very ugly indeed.
SING ASKS THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Australian Public Interest Whistleblowers are treated like criminals when they report abuse, neglect and wrongdoing, why would any thinking person expect aged care to improve?
SING ASKS THOSE IN POSITIONS OF POWER:
Why do you treat those speaking out like criminals?
Why would you expect fearful staff to report wrongdoing when they have clearly seen what happens to those who speak out?
Why are you surprised that abusers are flourishing in nursing homes when abusers know that they will have no action taken against them?
Why are you surprised that decent, credible staff are afraid to report abuse, neglect and wrongdoing?
Why do you blame lack of staff or lack of education for the mistreatment of the elderly? Roger Dean murdered 11 patients and harmed many others. He will spend the rest of his life in prison. He was an educated registered nurse and in a position of authority when he committed his atrocious crime. No mention has been made of staffing levels or lack or education - only his addiction and theft of residents' drugs. Please stop blaming lack of education and staffing levels for abuse and assault of the elderly. Lack of staff and education can certainly lead to neglect, accidents and incidents, - but abuse and assault - PLEASE. Abuse and assault are deliberate, intentional acts and cannot and should not be condoned or excused.
Why is so much taxpayers' money spent on cover-up?
Wake Up Australia - let's get serious. The stories below are nothing new in aged care atrocities.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-16/shocking-claims-elderly-being-mistreated-in-nursing-homes/4821492
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-17/calls-for-royal-commission-into-aged-care-crisis/4824626
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-19/buttrose-to-shame-governments-into-aged-care-action/4829834