Elder Abuse in Nursing Home Caught on Video Tape
Many families who notice suspicious bruises or sudden changes in the behavior of their loved ones may suspect that nursing home abuse is the cause, yet they are often left with no proof. However, one family in Kentucky recently took matters into their own hands, setting up a hidden camera that caught the elder abuse on video tape.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, when the family did not get any rational explanation for the bruises on their loved one, they placed a camera in the room. The video caught nursing home staff physically assaulting, abusing and taunting the 84 year old woman. It also showed that they were neglecting her basic needs, by failing to feed or clean her.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office has initiated a criminal investigation as a result of the family’s hidden nursing home video, discovering at least 17 other residents who had “injuries of unknown origin” which the nursing home failed to adequately investigate.
The elder abuse occurred at Madison Manor Nursing Home in Kentucky, which is an Extendicare nursing home.
It is often difficult for family members to discover elder abuse in nursing homes, since the loved one may not tell their family members out of fear of punishment by the staff or because they feel shame.
Family members can take steps to help reduce the risk of nursing home abuse by making careful observations during visits at unpredictable times. Suspicious bruises, broken bones and hair loss could be a few of the physical signs of elder abuse in a nursing home. Family members may also start to notice unusual changes in behavior, especially towards certain staff members.
NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYERS
The nursing home elder abuse lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent families throughout the United States who are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of loved ones who have suffered severe injuries. Nursing home lawsuits not only help pursue compensation for injuries suffered, but also operate as an important safeguard in our society to help protect the rights of residents and make sure that proper standards are followed in the industry.
To speak with one of our attorneys and review a potential case for elder abuse in a nursing home, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
