Nursing Home Abuse News

 CAMERAS REVEAL NEGLECT AT NURSING HOMES

In addition to the prosecution of these individuals on criminal charges, the Attorney General’s office has filed a civil lawsuit against the corporations that control one of the nursing homes. The investigation against the other continues.

In a related action, the Attorney General released a comprehensive report that will help New Yorkers better assess the relationship between patient care and staffing levels at nursing homes in communities across the state.

"The residents of our state’s nursing homes are among our most vulnerable citizens," Spitzer said. "My office is committed to doing all it can to protect these individuals, who are sometimes without friends and family to protect their interests. With these cases we are trying to send a message that law enforcement is watching to ensure that appropriate standards of care are met."

The first case involves the Jennifer Matthew Nursing Home in Rochester. Critical evidence in this case was developed through the use of secretly-recorded videotapes of a bedridden patient, referred to in the court filings as "Patient A." Patient A’s family permitted the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to install a hidden camera to monitor interaction with nursing home staff.

The complaint describes what the camera recorded – clear evidence that Jennifer Matthew’s staff had neglected Patient A. The complaint also describes how Patient A and other residents were not turned and repositioned to avoid the risk of pressure sores and were often left for hours to lie in their own urine and feces, and that medications and treatment were not provided as prescribed. Read more at oag.state.ny.us

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.