Two nursing home employees were charged with abusing an elderly resident suffering from dementia at a nursing home in Haverford, PA. The 78-year-old victim had complained of physical abuse to her family; who in turn brought the complaints to the nursing home management. The facility blamed the complaints on the resident's dementia and insisted the concerns were unfounded. Unsatisfied, and after noticing bruises on the victim's body, the family set up a hidden camera to record her and her caretakers.
What they saw was horrific.
The decision to place a family member in a nursing home is not an easy one. Often, we convince ourselves to do so because we assume skilled nursing facilities will provide a level of care that would be impossible to provide on our own. 24-7 access to doctors, nurses, and other advocates promise the best treatment to nursing home residents.
We also assume that those caregivers will treat residents with respect and dignity. Even more importantly, we take for granted that there is active and aggressive oversight from managers at each level to respond to allegations of neglect or abuse.
If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected at a nursing home or assisted-living facility, go with your gut feeling.
If you live in Pennsylvania, feel free to contact my office at (215) 972-0400 to discuss your concerns.
If you live outside of Pennsylvania, immediately visit The National Center for Elder Abuse for help.
NO ONE deserves to be abused.
