Skilled Nursing Facilities in Michigan
Adri Shaarda & Kristen Siciliano
Grand Valley State University
Occupational Science & Therapy Program
Discussion Question
1
Suppose you are an occupational therapist in the local skilled nursing facility. You have been treating Mr. J who has progressive Alzhiemer’s disease for the past few weeks. Mr. J has a reputation for being combative when he is frustrated and he refuses to stay in his room. One day, you realize that Mr. J appears abnormally sleepy and incoherent. You also see some new marks around both of his wrists. You suspect that Mr. J may be being abused with sedatives and restraints. How do you go about investigating this case further? Do you report your suspicions before investigating the case? If you are going to report your findings, who do you go to?
Discussion Question
2
How can occupational therapy change the current culture in the skilled nursing facilities? How can you empower/educate your residents on elder abuse to avoid them being victimized? How can you help a resident with a cognitive impairment stay safe from elder abuse?
