Nursing homes and senior care facilities exist to meet the needs of families that are no longer able to care for their elderly loved ones. While nursing homes provide a necessary service, they also raise concerns about elder abuse and the quality of care given to patients.
A care facility in Napa, California, was recently sued for elder abuse and neglect after the death of one of its elderly patients. Jeanne Roney, 91, died nine days after she was diagnosed with scabies. She had been admitted into Golden Living Center in 2011 after having a stroke.
Her daughter, Tammy Cook, claimed the facility’s negligence caused her mother’s death. According to the lawsuit, Roney suffered several falls, dehydration, malnutrition and multiple urinary tract infections while living there. Her condition was so poor that Queen of the Valley Hospital complained to the California Department of Public Health about the case.
Cook argued that Golden Living Center was understaffed, employed underqualified individuals and did not provide enough training in an effort to save money. Nursing homes are required to hire staff who are properly trained to provide assistance with daily activities and medication to the patients who rely on them.
There are a number of telltale signs of elder abuse. Unusual and excessive injuries may be red flags that an elderly individual is suffering neglect and not being cared for properly. Many times elder abuse slips through the cracks and goes unnoticed. If you suspect abuse, it is important to speak up and report it immediately for your loved one’s sake.
The attorneys at Gilfix and La Poll are skilled at helping families handle issues related to elder care and elder abuse.