Reference no: EM133226162

Kim and Courtney work as healthcare aids at Sparrow's Home, an assisted living facility for elderly individuals. Kim has been working at the facility for a number of years, and Courtney was hired last month and is new to the facility.

One afternoon as Courtney is making her rounds from room to room, she passes Kim who is helping an elderly woman with her bath. The elderly woman is having a hard time staying upright in the bathtub, and Kim is becoming frustrated and handling her roughly. Courtney is concerned that Kim might be hurting the woman.

Later that same day, Courtney is assisting Kim with recreational activities. They are helping their patients play a game of bingo, and one elderly gentleman becomes agitated at losing. Kim tells him "If you don't settle down, I am going to have to give you some meds to settle you down. No go sit down and shut up and play nicely." Again, Courtney is very concerned at Kim's treatment of the patients.

Unsettled, Courtney speaks to her supervisor, Janet, before she heads home, telling her about the way Kim is treating the patients. She tells her in detail about the incidents, and indicates that she feels Kim is abusive. Janet reprimands Courtney, and tells her that Sparrow's Home will lose funding if DCF gets involved. She also tells Courtney that Kim is an excellent employee and a long-time friend, and indicates that if she can't get along with Kim, she should probably find another place to work.

Please describe any abusive situations that you see in this scenario. If you do spot an abusive situation, please describe:

• Who is committing abuse
• Who must report
• To whom abuse should be reported
• What needs to be reported

Has Courtney fulfilled her ethical and legal obligations as a healthcare provider by reporting her suspicions to Janet? Why or why not?