In a recent verdict in New York, two respiratory therapists and three registered nurses were sentenced to jail time for their involvement of the death of one of their patients. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is not an uncommon occurrence. And while it is good to see those that perpetrate this crime punished, it goes to show that you must be vigilant in determining who cares for your elderly family members. Here are more details of the case.
The defendants were sentenced to varying terms after being found guilty at trial in July in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for their roles in the 2012 death of a 72-year-old rehabilitation patientand for their attempted cover-up of the circumstances that led to her death.
“The sentences announced today bring justice to the family of Aurelia Rios, the mother of three and the grandmother of eleven,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Medical staff at Medford Multicare undertook the responsibility to care for Mrs. Rios and help her rehabilitate. Instead, the juries found that she was neglected and that the Defendants covered-up the true cause of her death, depriving the Rios family for almost three years the truth about what happened to their mother. This trial has put an end to the lies about what happened at Medford Multicare and is another example of how my office will continue to hold accountable those who neglect and those who fail to immediately and truthfully report the neglect of our most vulnerable citizens.” Long Island News, Long Island News and PR
Poor leadership, low morale, and inconsistent training often play a role in nursing home abuse cases. It’s important to do your due diligence when selecting a home for your loved ones. AARP has put together a great article that you can use a reference. It includes everything from the way a home looks and smells, to signs that residents are being abused or mistreated. You can read the article here.
If you suspect that your loved one has been subject to abuse DO NOT hesitate confront them with your issues. If they don’t respond appropriately then you should immediately hire an attorney that specializes in nursing home abuse cases.