15 Disabled Residents Abused in Nursing Home
A recent Fox News report details the abuse suffered by 15 nursing home residents who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia disorders. According to the report, the nursing assistants allegedly spit in residents’ mouths, poked their breasts and touched their genitals. The residents were also subject to taunting and teasing. Three of the residents died during the course of this abuse.
Nursing home abuse is increasingly becoming a problem in the United States. Incidents of abuse at nursing homes not only have to do with neglect, but are also of a physical, sexual and emotional nature.
Authorities found it difficult to interview the other victims because of their cognitive impairment. The nursing home won’t be penalized because officials followed procedures and notified appropriate authorities.
According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 2002, allegations of physical and sexual abuse of nursing home residents are often not reported promptly. In fact, local law enforcement officials stated in this report that they are seldom called to nursing homes to immediately investigate allegations of physical or sexual abuse. Some of these officials said that the incidents are often reported after the evidence has been compromised. Also, some residents or family members are reluctant to report abuse for fear of retaliation while others may not know where or how to report such abuse.
If your loved one has been seriously injured or abused in a nursing home or care facility in Washington, please contact the reputed Seattle nursing home abuse attorneys at The Bernard Law Firm to find out about your legal rights and options. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule your FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information to help you understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.
