Alexandra Pikel

4/17/16
COMM 1010
COMM 1010: A GUIDE FOR OUTLINING YOUR SPEECH
Part A: AUDIENCE AND OCCASION ANALYSIS:
(This information is for your instructor; you will not SAY this out loud in your speech)
Specific Goal: My audience will learn about the issue of abuse in nursing homes.
Pattern Of Organization: Ive chosen the cause-effect pattern of organization because I think this pattern
of organization will best show how some circumstances are creating the problem of abuse in nursing
homes.
Audience Analysis: I will explain to my classmates the growing danger of abuse in nursing homes. I will
give examples and try to relate them in a way that everyone can understand.
Occasion Analysis: My speech is to inform others of the issue and bring awareness on this topic.
Part B: SPEECH OUTLINE:
(Use this outline as your speaking notes when you deliver your speech.)
You must cite at least one expert reference out loud as part of the support for EACH main point,
for a total of at least three authoritative references.
Elderly Abuse
Speech Title: _____________________________
Introduction:
I. A ProPublica review found 35 cases since 2012 in which nursing home or assisted living
workers surreptitiously shared photos or videos of residents on social media. At least 16 cases
involved Snapchat. by Charles Ornstein
ProPublica, Dec. 21, 2015, 8 a.m.

II. Being a CNA and working with the elderly on a day-to-day basis, has shown me how vulnerable the
elderly are (especially in a long term care facility) and how much protection they really do need; not just
from physical abuse but from psychological abuse as well.
III. Thesis: Although there have been laws set into place against abuse of the elderly such as the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (March 23, 2010) and the Elder Justice Act, we still see abuse in
nursing homes; 44% of residents in long term care facilities said they had been abused and 95% said
they had been neglected or seen another resident neglected. (The Department of Health and Human
Services)
IV. Preview: List your main points here in very brief form (no more than 5 words per point).
First, the different types of abuse seen in nursing homes.
Second, the reasons as to why abuse occurs in nursing homes.
Third, ways to prevent the abuse.
[Transition: To understand how and why abuse happens in nursing homes you need to know the types of abuse
that occurs.]

Body:
I. First major point: There are various types of abuse that occurs in nursing homes.
Reference: National Center on Elder Abuse
A. Physical abuse
1. Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical
pain, or impairment.
2. Physical abuse includes: bruises, reports of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated, broken
bones, and more.
3. Any physical form of punishment is also a form of physical abuse.
B. Sexual abuse
1. Sexual abuse is defined as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person.
2. Sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse.
3. Some signs/symptoms include: unwanted touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, such
as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing.
C. Neglect
1. Neglect is defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to
an elder
2. Neglect of the elderly typically means the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with life
necessities.
3. Neglect can include: dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene;
unattended or untreated health problems.
These are only some of the many forms of abuse that are seen in nursing homes.
[Transition: These types of abuse we see are caused by various reasons.
II. Second major point although there is not a definite answer as to why abuse occurs, there are some factors
that can lead to abuse.
A. Under paid care givers
1. According to PayScale, the average Certified Nursing Assistant is paid $11.00 an hour.
2. Not satisfied with their wages.
B. Over worked/ tired caregivers.
1. Most CNAs work 8-12 hour shift or longer.
2. Some CNAs are taking care of at least 8 patients or more.
3. Too many duties are put on the CNA.
C. Frustrated.
1. Personality conflicts
2. Stressed by the patient
3. Tired
[Transition: Although we cannot always understand why abuse of the elderly happens there are ways to prevent
such abuse.
III. Third major point Being able to prevent abuse in nursing homes may just save a life. Some of the ways we
can prevent abuse in nursing homes includes:

A. Granny Cams
1. Granny Cams is a term used for video monitoring of the elderly.
2. In some instances Granny Cams have proven that abuse has happened.
B. Policies in Nursing Homes
1. Not allowing workers to work double shifts
2. Distributing duties among workers
3. Decreasing the patient-worker ratio

Conclusion: Abuse in nursing homes does happen whether we like it or not. The types of abuse varies and it can
be hard to see the warning signs. Though we cannot stop abuse all together, there are ways to prevent it. Being
aware of the signs and dangers of putting your loved ones in a nursing home will help you to choose a suitable
home for them and help you better protect them.
TIP: In the conclusion, echo your thesis and preview, using different words than you used in your Introduction.
Then draw the speech to a close with a brief memorable message. Do NOT introduce any new material in the
conclusion. Practice your ending until it feels final. Dont be tempted to weaken a fine speech by adding a lame
thats it at the end.
Works Cited
National Center on Elder Abuse at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/
Nursing Home Abuse Guide at http://nursinghomeabuseguide.com/negligence/nursing-home-neglect/
Pay Scale at http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Assistant_(CNA)/Hourly_Rate
Pro Publica at https://www.propublica.org/article/nursing-home-workers-share-explicit-photos-of-residents-onsnapchat