| Nursing home work is demanding, dangerous and | | | | work as a team and have good communication skills |
| low-paying. Most nursing home aides in the United | | | | also. |
| States are women between the ages of 25 and 44, | | | | Many of the 36 million citizens over the age of 65 in |
| and are often immigrants or single mothers. Many | | | | this country will require nursing home care in the near |
| single mothers choose nursing home work for the | | | | future. While many nursing homes provide excellent |
| flexible hours. The work is strenuous and has one of | | | | care and are staffed with caring staff, some older |
| the nation’s highest on-the-job injury rates. | | | | adults will find themselves in situations that are less |
| The average wage is under $9.00 per hour. Even with | | | | than ideal. These older Americans will become the |
| many years of experience, wages rise only a few | | | | victims of abuse and neglect at the hands of their |
| dollars per hour. Turnover among nursing home aides is | | | | caregivers. |
| very high. Workers leave due to stressful working | | | | It is estimated there are over l million cases of nursing |
| conditions. High turnover means short staffing and | | | | home abuse and neglect each year. The |
| poorer resident care. | | | | consequences of this abuse can result in serious |
| A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for a | | | | medical conditions and death. Nursing home residents |
| job as a nursing home aide. Specific qualifications vary | | | | have the legal right to be treated with dignity and |
| by location, and state laws. Nursing home aides must | | | | respect and to exist in a safe environment. |
| be in good health and a criminal background check is | | | | There are complex legal issues involved in an allegation |
| usually required. Other qualifications include being | | | | of nursing home neglect or abuse. These issues can |
| patient, tactful, understanding and emotionally stable. A | | | | involve medical malpractice, premises liability, negligent |
| qualified nursing home aide should be dependable and | | | | security or wrongful death. |
| have a desire to help people. They should be able to | | | | |