Dutch residents are not bullied in Australia
A report in DPS eNews on 26 August and on the AgedCareGuide.com.au website, about the results of a study on the incidence of bullying in nursing homes in the Netherlands, is not representative of aged care homes in Australia where bullying is not a common occurrence.
“I have not seen the study but I do know that in the Netherlands there are cultural issues arising that have not previously been addressed by the community and racial tension is increasing between elders and staff including an increase in culturally diverse staff,” says Petra Neeleman, chief executive officer of DutchCare in Victoria.
However, she points out that “like any home, bringing diverse people together with different backgrounds and expectations can at times cause conflict and some people react by bullying. This is true in all aged care facilities from my experience”.
In such instances, the issues need to be addressed and discussed between residents and staff.
“At DutchCare, with the implementation of the Eden Alternative, we introduced gatherings of residents we call “talking circles” where residents and staff or volunteers can talk about any issues, both good and bad, and we also use it for group decision making. If a problem exists everyone has the opportunity to talk about how they feel and agreement is reached on what the solutions might be and the expected behaviour of people in our home.
“We also have one on one conversations with residents, family members or staff to address issues that affect our communal way of life. We have volunteers who act as advocates for residents if necessary and have at times sought expert advice and intervention when all else has failed,” she continues.
Ms Neeleman says that DutchCare works on the principle that everyone, staff and residents, is treated with respect.
