Most of us with loved ones in a nursing home assume the facility has enough staff to care for residents, but unfortunately this is not always the case. One recent lawsuit exemplifies the tragedy brought about by nursing home abuse and neglect resulting from understaffing.
Nursing home sued by New York attorney general
A New York nursing home is facing a lawsuit brought by the state alleging that the nursing home stole $83 million in government funds. Meanwhile, the nursing home failed to appropriately staff its facilities. This led residents to suffer sickness and four fatalities.
These fatalities were horrific. The lawsuit alleges that one resident succumbed to sepsis due to a bedsore that went untreated. Another resident fell out of bed, leading to brain damage. A third resident who suffered from dementia was not supervised and ended up leaving the nursing home. Moreover, other residents were regularly left to sit in their own waste while staff ignored their pleas for assistance.
Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect
This alleged example of nursing home neglect is disturbing, to say the least. No one wants their loved ones to be abused by the facilities we pay to provide care to them, but unfortunately, incidents like the one alleged do happen. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.
A resident who is suffering from nursing home abuse and neglect may exhibit a variety of symptoms. They may appear dirty or unkempt. They may lose weight or mobility. They may be confused, withdrawn, fearful or angry. They may stop eating or drinking.
We depend on nursing homes to appropriately care for our loved ones. Some people who suspect that their loved one suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect choose to take legal action against the facility at issue.
