Three employees at a nursing home in Oklahoma have been arrested on charges of making fun of elderly residents and sharing explicit images and videos of them, according to reports.
The three female workers, ages 20-21, are facing charges of elderly abuse.
The trio allegedly took sexually explicit photos videos of several residents and posted them on Snapchat. Police also allege that several pictures recovered appear to show the women mocking residents.
The Oklahoma nursing home said the women no longer work at the facility and that all employees are subject to background checks and mandatory training.
Mocking Residents is Abuse
Making fun of or ridiculing someone is known as mocking, and it frequently takes place in a cruel and humiliating fashion. Making jokes about a resident’s looks, behavior, mental health, or any other facet of their personality or situation is unacceptable in nursing homes. The emotional and psychological harm can be severe even if there might not be any physical scars.
How Does Mocking Affect Residence?
- Emotional Distress: Mocking can exacerbate anxiety and depression by causing feelings of helplessness, guilt, and embarrassment.
- Loss of Dignity: All people, including the elderly, need to be treated with respect and decency. Mocking undermines their sense of self-worth and dignity.
- Withdrawing from Activities: Residents who are mocked may avoid social engagements, leading to isolation and loneliness.
- Mental Health Decline: Persistent emotional abuse can exacerbate pre-existing mental health concerns and create new psychological problems.
- Trust Issues: Residents may become hesitant to ask for assistance or voice their problems if they feel ridiculed by peers or caregivers.
Why Does Mocking or Ridicule Occur in Nursing Homes?
Mocking behavior can arise from numerous sources:
- Lack of Training: Employees may use offensive humor or make inappropriate remarks if they are not properly taught how to provide compassionate care.
- Stress and Burnout: Overworked and stressed-out caregivers may act harmfully against residents to vent their anger.
- Cultural and Issues: Society’s perceptions toward aging and the elderly can influence how staff interact with residents.
- Bad Management: A culture where bullying and other types of abuse are tolerated can be fostered by insufficient oversight and a lack of responsibility.
When the staff we entrust to care for our elderly loved ones mistreats them by mocking or ridiculing them, this constitutes abuse and is unacceptable on all levels. If you have a family member in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Florida and you suspect they are being abused by staff, please contact our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Whittel & Melton right away. We can begin investigating your suspicions right away and hold any at-fault parties accountable for their behavior. Call us now at 866-608-5529 for a completely FREE consultation.