(Newswire.net — July 31, 2018) –Nursing homes are supposed to be facilities where the elderly are safe, well cared for and protected. Unfortunately, despite efforts by the federal and state governments to protect the rights of nursing home residents, the prevalence of elder abuse at nursing homes is a continuing chronic problem across the country, as two new cases this month demonstrate.
A Dayton woman, Dikki Crane, 43, was indicted on one count of patient abuse for abusing a 90-year-old woman at The Sanctuary at Wilmington Place nursing home in Dayton, Ohio. Crane allegedly yelled at the woman, insisted she moves beyond her capabilities, and handled her violently, resulting in the resident experiencing pain bruising.
In another case, Kyla Dionne Brown, a nursing home employee at a facility in Decatur, Tennessee, was recently charged with second-degree elder abuse and neglect of an 87-year-old woman in her care.
Residents of nursing homes are particularly vulnerable and often isolated, leading to them easily becoming victims of neglect or abuse. Warning signs that may indicate mistreatment include bruising or fractures, while scratches or avoidance of physical contact may be symptoms of physical abuse. Bed sores or lack of medical attention may indicate medical neglect. Signs of personal hygiene neglect may include an uncared for appearance or soiled clothing. Social, psychological or emotional neglect are also forms of mistreatment and warning signs may include listlessness, depression, non-responsive behavior or anxiousness.
While there are federal and state laws designed to keep nursing homes and their residents safe, the situation on the ground is that many facilities are still far from satisfactory. Data from a Congressional inquiry reveals that over twenty percent of nursing home residents on Medicare have suffered nursing home neglect or abuse resulting in significant harm, while over ten percent of Medicare residents have experienced temporary harm during the duration of their stays.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that if the legally protected rights of residents are violated, then the resident, the family, or the guardian can bring a case against the facility. Additionally, explains Nevada nursing home abuse attorney, Matthew Sharp, in order to “prevent elder abuse in federally-funded skilled nursing home facilities, Medicaid Fraud Control Units are set up in 49 states.” These specialized units are part of the State Attorney General’s office, and their goal is to investigate and prosecute a variety of health care crimes, including patient abuse and neglect.