How Nursing Communities Deal With Bullies

Nursing communities have launched programs, training, and policies to stop bullying, reports the Associated Press . Following bullying incidents, San Francisco's 30th Street Senior Center partnered with the Institute on Aging to develop an anti-bullying program. All staffers received 18 hours of training that included lessons on what constitutes bullying, causes of the problem, and how to manage such conflicts. Seniors were then invited to similar sessions, held in English and Spanish, teaching them to notify staff or intervene themselves if they see bullying. Existing studies suggest about one in five seniors encounters bullying, says Arizona State University Professor Robin Bonifas. She sees it as an outgrowth of frustrations typical of communal settings, as well a reflection of issues unique to aging. Many seniors see their independence and sense of control disappear and becoming a bully can feel like regaining some of that lost power for some. There is far less recognition of bullying as a problem among seniors versus young people, with even bullies unaware how problematic their behavior is until it is labeled. Campaigns throughout the United States have sought to raise awareness, including a booklet circulated in 2017 by the National Center for Assisted Living.