Neglect and Abuse Issues Within Kentucky’s Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are supposed to be a place where seniors can receive the attention and care they need around the clock, but it’s becoming increasingly apparent that some state’s facilities fail to meet up to the proper standards of care when it comes to protecting the elderly from abuse and neglect.
Kentucky’s Nursing Homes Need Reform
Recent reporting by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed that almost half (43 percent) of all nursing homes in the state of Kentucky were either “below average” or “much below average.” These facility’s failure to meet a standard level of care has, unfortunately, resulted in death in many cases. Sadly, the state’s homes continue to be rated among some of the worst in the entire nation.
Recently Reported Incidents from State Inspections
Stories continue to surface from state inspection reports that highlight the seriousness and pervasiveness of elderly abuse in the state. A number of these reports highlight the serious issue of inadequate staffing in the majority of the state’s nursing homes. Nurses and aids are often underpaid for the difficult and highly demanding job, which leads many to believe that it is just one of the underlying causes of such serious abuse and neglect in nursing homes, coupled with severe understaffing. The state inspection reports found the following on a number of Kentucky nursing homes:
• Hodgenville Nursing Home: patient reportedly spent the entire night on toilet screaming for assistance to get back into bed
• Paducah Nursing Home: a resident’s urinary infection was neglected and staff dealt with his screams of pain by removing a prosthetic in his throat to silence him
• Northern Kentucky Nursing Home: a 45-year-old resident fell down a stairwell in a wheelchair and was not discovered for over nine hours
Politics and Nursing Home Abuse
Many advocates have suggested bills that would require nursing homes to adhere to minimum staffing requirements, but such proposed legislation has not been successful. Many suggest that these efforts may be failing because the state’s health care facilities continue to send massive donations to politicians in the state.
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Somerville and Marlton, NJ
While the state of Kentucky is undergoing reform in these areas, neglect and abuse of the elderly continues to be a nationwide concern. Reporting the crime to the authorities can result in criminal penalties for abusers, but often the perpetrators are never held accountable for their actions. Citizens who have witnessed the abuse of an elderly loved one may benefit from seeking out a civil case against the guilty party.
Contact a New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
If you or someone you love has been abused or neglected at a nursing home, you need an attorney who has both the experience and compassion to help you during this difficult time. At Sugarman Law, we represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Somerville and Marlton. Call (866) 657-5660 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
