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MINEOLA---An extensive in-service training program will be offered to the more than 30 Nassau County skilled-nursing facilities caring for some of the county's most vulnerable citizens.
"Part of my job as district attorney is to provide communities with information and educational programs that can prevent crime and ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are not exploited," Nassau DA Kathleen Rice said at a press conference Thursday. "Rather than wait for a crime to occur, my office is taking pro-active, preventative measures with a goal of decreasing instances of abuse, neglect and mistreatment of the county's elderly."
The program offered by the District Attorney is designed to supplement previously existing programs run by both the county and private facilities.
"This program not only honors the importance of our elder population, it also recognizes dedicated, hard-working nursing home staff members who care for them," said Rice.
Assistant district attorney Michael Clarke, who will administer the program and is a specialist in health-related law, said the office has already received an enthusiastic response to Monday's letter offering the program, and that facilities have begun to sign-up for the free training.
The training will consist of multiple, one-hour in-services, and will be offered to all medical, nursing, administrative, and operational staff in Nassau County nursing homes. The District Attorney has offered multiple lectures to each facility, to each shift, to ensure maximum staff attendance. The lectures will cover a wide array of topics, including recognizing the signs of abuse, neglect and mistreatment, staff obligations to report suspected abuse, and documentation issues.
Nassau County has thirty-five nursing homes and more than 50,000 residents over the age of 75.
In February, Rice created the Special Victims Bureau designed to handle crimes involving and victimizing the elderly in Nassau County. At that time she promised more changes in how her office dealt with elder abuse and neglect and vowed to hire specialists that have experience dealing with these types of crime. 5-25-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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