An unfortunately common situation, elder abuse is one of the most painful and heart-wrenching situations a family may deal with. Although elder abuse can come in many forms--emotional, sexual, physical, and financial--the mistreatment seems especially horrible when they are physical marks left behind. Many nursing homes and caretakers are sued for some form of elder abuse every year, and Pennsylvania is no exception. This may be due in large part to the rapidly growing elderly population in our state.
Other states also have significant problems with elder abuse reports. A video taken in a New Jersey nursing home showing a caretaker physically abusing a paralyzed 87-year-old woman was recently released to the press. Excerpts of the video may be viewed here. In the corresponding news article, more information was given about the incident. According to the report, the family of the victim suspected abuse after seeing bruises on the victim's body. as a result, they set up a secret "granny cam" in her room at the nursing home facility. In the video footage, they caught a nursing aid ripping the oxygen mask off the victim's face, then hitting
her on the head with it. Other staff members were also caught on tape abusing the woman. One nurse told the woman to die, while another "roughly tossed her around while changing the bed". The nursing home had no comment.
This case is just one of many that attorneys across the
country come across in their practice. Nursing homes can be dangerous
places if not properly run and staffed. If you suspect that you or a
loved one is in a nursing home and is not receiving proper or
appropriate care, it may be time to consult with an attorney. Attorney
Doug Stoehr is a central Pennsylvania lawyer specializing in nursing
home abuse and negligence. For more information on his practice, please
visit our website.
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