Posted on Monday, May 29th, 2017 at 1:12 am
The Northern California Record is reporting that a lawsuit has been filed in the Fresno County Superior Court against California Home for the Aged, Inc. and several other defendants. The complaint alleges that the home, doing business as California Armenian Home, and other defendants are guilty of medical malpractice, elder abuse, negligence, wrongful death, willful misconduct, and violating residents’ rights.
The plaintiff alleges her father died after the defendants failed to provide the required care for his chronic constipation. The complaint alleges the staff ignored symptoms and only gave him aspirin. He died after being transported to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a fist-sized blockage of his colon. His daughter alleges the defendants were negligent and failed to monitor her father and provide the necessary care and treatment.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When we place our loved ones in a nursing home or assisted care facility, we have the legal right to expect that the facility and its staff will take all steps to protect the health and well-being of our loved one. Patients have the right to be treated with respect, have adequate care, and medical treatment. They also have the right to a safe environment free from threats, neglect, and abuse.
Sadly, nursing home abuse and elder neglect are too common. Many patients are unable to report the abuse or speak for themselves; therefore, incidents of nursing home abuse are underreported. For some patients, the abuse or neglect results in death and nothing is ever done about the matter.
What Can I Do to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse?
If you are placing your loved one in a nursing home, do your research. Check with state and local agencies for complaints or reports of violations. Ask for references and visit the facility several times before admitting your loved one. Unfortunately, you can research a facility thoroughly and your loved one can still be a victim of neglect and abuse. For this reason, you must remain vigilant even after your loved one is placed in a facility.
The best way to prevent abuse and neglect is to visit your loved one as often as possible. If you do not live close enough to visit often, you can enlist the aid of friends or family to visit. Visiting your loved one allows you to monitor his or her overall health and well-being in addition to looking for specific signs of abuse. Signs of abuse and neglect include:
- Bed sores or pressure ulcers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Scratches, bruises, or lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Infections, including genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases
- Fear of being alone
- Fear of speaking in front of staff members
- Changes in emotional state including anxiety, depression, withdrawal, aggression, and suicidal thoughts
- Poor hygiene
- Missing clothes, money, or property
If you suspect abuse of any type, act immediately to stop the abuse. Report the abuse to the authorities. Contact a Sacramento nursing home attorney to discuss options to protect your loved one and hold the personal responsible for the abuse accountable for their actions.
Do You Need a Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
The Tiemann Law Firm can be reached by telephone at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced California nursing home abuse lawyer.
