NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR AND NURSING STAFF ARRESTED IN RESIDENT’S DEATH
Alarms blared for over two hours at Medford Multicare Center in Long Island as resident Aurelia Rios, left unattended in her room, slowly suffocated waiting for help. By the time a staff member finally came to Mrs. Rios’ room, she had already stopped breathing.
Mrs. Rios was admitted to Medford Multicare Center after a hospital visit for breathing problems. Upon her admission, she was required by Physician’s order to be hooked up to a ventilator, but the nursing facility failed to follow through. After Mrs. Rios’ death, Medford’s Administrator David Fielding failed to report her death to authorities. He lied to Mrs. Rios’ daughter telling her that her mother died from a heart attack. The truth was exposed when an insider from the nursing home reported the death to authorities. The facility’s Administrator was cited for conspiracy to cover up the death and falsifying documents. A total of nine staff members have been arrested as investigations are underway.
Mrs. Rios’ death could have been prevented if the staff members took the appropriate measures to ensure her safety upon her admission to the facility. There is NO excuse for ignoring a Physician’s order or for ignoring alarms concerning the well-being of a resident. Unfortunately, stories like Mrs. Rios’ happen every day. Nursing home residents have RIGHTS protected by law. Nursing homes have regulations they MUST follow to guarantee these rights and to protect their residents from abuse. If your loved one has been a victim of neglect or abuse in a nursing home, rehabilitation center and/or assisted living facility, please contact us.
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