While the following nursing home neglect story may not have occurred in Huntington, the disturbing circumstances of it certainly warrant some discussion — especially given the major ruling here in West Virginia just last year regarding an abused Alzheimer’s patient.
A nursing home near Atlanta has been accused of abusing and neglecting some of their Alzheimer’s patients. The owner of the nursing home, along with 20 other former and current employees, have been charged in connection with the terrible situation at the nursing home. According to the case against the nursing home, the facility fostered “inhumane and undignified conditions,” resulting in a number of patients being harmed. The offenses included hitting and restraining the patients, in addition to throwing water on them.
There are even accusations of the nursing home reusing old or used medical supplies, such as diapers, on the patients to save on their resources. It is an upsetting story, but sadly a not very surprising one. According to a federal survey of nursing homes, roughly one in every three nursing homes abuses its patients.
Incidents of nursing home neglect are always disturbing; but when it comes to Alzheimer’s patients, these incidents are even more unfortunate. Given their condition, the patients are nearly rendered helpless to report the abuse due to their memory issues.
When such abuse can be proven, the nursing home responsible should be held fully responsible. The victim and his or her loved ones need to consult a personal injury lawyer with experience handling nursing home neglect cases.
Source: Reuters, “Nursing home staff allegedly abused elderly Alzheimer’s patients,” July 2, 2013
