david614

First of all, let me say that there aren't many things worse than elder abuse. In my mind it is very similar to child abuse...abusing someone who is weak, helpless, and unable to defend them self. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that it will become more and more common as the baby boom generation ages and there will be fewer people to care for the elderly. In some cultures, the elderly are valued and respected. Sadly, that is not the case in most Western cultures.

With that in mind...did you actually witness the abuse you describe? The elderly bruise very easily, and simply inserting an IV can result in a nasty looking bruise. Also, in what frame of mind is your grandmother? Is she "herself?" My mother was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, but in the weeks before she died, she was experiencing some dementia. She gave the nursing staff a terrible time. If your grandmother is being difficult or combative, they may need to restrain her in order to care for her. This might be the cause of the bruising.

It's been my experience that most nurses are very caring, patient people who are terribly overworked and underpaid. 99.99 percent of nurses would never dream of purposely hurting a patient. That said, if you REALLY think your grandmother is not being treated well, talk to the nursing supervisor. If that doesn't work, go the the hospital administrator's office and speak to the administrator in charge. Typically, hospital executives are very responsive to legitimate complaints.

Good luck to you and your grandmother.