Resident to Resident Attacks

This article was published by the Nursing Inquiry, explains that resident-on-resident attacks in nursing homes are not just an issue in the US but are a global issue. There has been research done that has reported 249 deaths across 8 countries (the US, Canada, the UK, and China) between January and December of 2023.

The key risk factors include impairments, dementia, and mental health disorders. The researchers provided 40 recommendations to providers to improve the residents’ safety in long-term care facilities. The research was grouped into three different categories: Education and Research, Facility Management and Staff, and Government. Education and Research include training and a proper understanding of how to care for the vulnerable adults.

The Facility management and Staff suggested to lower staff to resident ratios for safety and to asses residents disorders, dementia and other issues. The researchers recommended that lawmakers increase regulation for high-risk residents and regularly investigate unnatural deaths. All three of these grouped categories are important for understanding resident-on-resident attacks and the true importance of long-term care.

This study shows that there should be a change in long-term care facilities to control the risk of resident-on-resident attacks and to promote a safer place and environment for the residents.