Police in Fukuoka have arrested a 54-year-old caregiver on suspicion of assaulting two female residents at a nursing home last year.
Police said the caregiver, Naoko Kuchiishi, is accused of slapping a 94-year-old woman on the cheek at around 6:55 a.m. on Sept 11 last year at the nursing home in Nishi Ward, and grabbing an 89-year-old woman by the hair and pulling her up out of bed at around 6:30 a.m. on Sept 22, Kyodo News reported.
Kuchiishi was working the night shift alone at the time of both incidents.
Police said she has denied the allegation and quoted her as saying,"I don't remember hitting anyone."
The facility is home to about 20 people. Bruises were also found on the body of another resident, and police are investigating the possibility that Kuchiishi may have been responsible.
Facility staff had become suspicious of bruises on the bodies of several residents and consulted the police.
© Japan Today
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Shimo-chan
I think working as a caregiver, dealing with elderly individuals with declining cognitive abilities, is a far more demanding job than most people imagine.
At the same time, for residents of nursing homes and for those of us who may eventually require care in the future, the possibility of hidden violence occurring behind closed doors is a frightening thought. I wish there were ideas that could benefit both caregivers and residents alike…
Meiyouwenti
“Kuchiishi was working the night shift alone at the time of both incidents.”
The facility was obviously understaffed. Imagine working on a night shift taking care of 20 elderly people all by yourself. Long hours, poor pay, night shifts, some of the inmates are difficult. Good professionalism comes from good pay and respect from society. The government should do something improve caregivers’ working conditions.
Old Sausage
The solution is coming soon: AI-driven humanoids have no emotions, so they are the perfect solution.
KansaimagicYoutube
When you put kids into daycare they will put you into a nursing home. To parent is a verb.
vallum
@Meiyouwenti
I totally agree conditions should improve, but that's unfortunately not considered 'understaffed' by the Japanese law. Though it may vary depending of the kind of facility, for the night shift the ratio may be up to 25:1 .
Yeah, I think it's crazy too.
4123
One of causes of such case maybe LDP regime who deteriorated labour condition of care workers despite shortage of workers.