5 Shocking And Recent Headlines In Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse

Nursing home neglect and abuse take a variety of forms. From pressure ulcers or bedsores to falls, from malnutrition and dehydration to medication errors, people experience painful and in some cases fatal examples that, unfortunately, often remain unresolved. Fortunately, higher media inquiry into nursing homes and assisted living cases of malpractice has resulted in an increased awareness of such situations. What’s more, state and federal governments have been enacting laws and regulations that aid families by ensuring that patients receive appropriate care. However, media attention and regulatory supervision cannot substitute good care. These are a few of the latest news illustrating nursing homes neglect and abuse. 1. A 49-year-old nurse’s assistant slapped two elderly patients at a Waverly nursing home, witnessed by a co-worker. Upon further investigation, the third patient’s abuse was identified. Investigators cited the nursing home employee on suspicion of committing three felony counts of abusing a vulnerable adult and three counts of misdemeanor assault. Source  2. Nanny cameras are a focus of conversation again, as 17 employees at a nursing home in Buffalo, New York, were seen showing neglect to a non-ambulatory, bed-ridden patient. The New York Attorney General’s Office alleges that evidence from a hidden camera showed a pattern of neglect that included failure to dispense pain medication, failure to check on the resident as necessary, failure to give him liquids, and failure to provide incontinent care. The criminal charges further allege that the nurses and aides falsified documents to conceal their neglect. This case is raising the question again as to why some states still will not allow nanny cameras in their facilities. Source 3. A state agency recently reported that a Brevard County nursing home got fined $36,000 after committing numerous clerical and medical errors. Their malpractice involved a patient who eventually died. During the December 2013 inspection, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) reported staff from the 180-bed facility failed to follow physician orders, assess bruising from an unknown source and properly administer blood-thinning drugs given to the patient, and consistently update the patient’s medical charts. “It’s really unfortunate, because you have someone here who’s dying from neglect in the nursing home,” said Brian Lee, executive director of Families For Better Care, a national advocacy group for nursing home and assisted-living residents based in Tallahassee. “So you have a state fine of $36,000. That’s what a resident’s life has come down to in this case.” Source 4.  A certified nursing assistant at an East Longmeadow nursing facility has been charged with raping a patient. The alleged victim is a 69-year-old woman. She was not under the direct care of the suspect. Source 5. An elderly man who was allegedly beaten by a security guard at an assisted living facility has died from his injuries. Another victim of his attack, 88-year-old Miriam Lepp, continues her recovery. Detectives say they are working with the State Attorney’s Office to determine if further charges will be filed against the 22-year old suspect, who currently faces two counts of attempted murder and aggravated assaul Source   Those incidents, at least, were identified and brought to the attention of authorities. Many cases of neglect or abuse, unfortunately, remain concealed. If you or a loved one suffered from being a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, you should promptly contact a nursing home neglect attorney to learn about your rights and responsibilities in seeking compensation for the injuries or maltreatments. Our nursing home neglect attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable, trustworthy and ready to help you or your loved one. Contact us today:  1- Or, visit:  http://nowllp.com/pennsylvania-nursing-home-attorney/