«The phenomenon of ill-treatment in nursing homes is a serious problem that requires everyone's attention . Older people residing in these facilities are often vulnerable and can become victims of ill-treatment, which includes physical, psychological and sexual abuse . However, these situations must not make us forget that, fortunately, the vast majority of structures are made up of serious, qualified personnel who really and passionately take care of their guests or our loved ones». So Paola Montis , Regional President of ANAP Sardinia, the Association of Artisan Pensioners of Confartigianato , after a long investigation in northern Italy brought to light violence and ill-treatment against some guests of a residence for the elderly and after the publication of a study by the Ministry of Health which, according to which in Italy , in recent years, over 9,000 cases of ill-treatment have been registered , and in constant increase.
The data
The data on the guests of the structures on the island speak of 4,917 assisted (3,503 women and 1,413 men), of whom 1,738 are self-sufficient and as many as 3,179 are not self-sufficient .
"The increase in the number of ill-treatment in nursing homes is worrying - continues Montis - these data show how the phenomenon needs to be carefully monitored by the competent authorities and sector organizations".
"Unfortunately, this evidence is pushing families to entrust their 'fragile loved ones' to such structures less and less (according to Assindatacolf, only 41.5% of families take care of nursing homes into consideration) - underlines Montis - preferring, on the contrary, the services of a carer, even with all the economic and quality problems of care that this entails ».
Strict policies and protocols
