Reports and lawsuits over nursing home abuse and neglect are becoming far more common as the issue becomes more well-known.

Unfortunately, the abuse of elders in nursing homes is a serious and reportedly widespread issue affecting millions of Americans. There are approximately 50 million Americans over the age of 65 today. This number is expected to double by the year 2060, making the potential pool of those harmed by abuse in nursing homes even larger than it is today. Negligence and abuse in nursing homes can also place these people at further risk.

Furthermore, a large portion of these instances are never even reported to authorities. In one recent incident, a resident allegedly suffered from nursing home abuse and neglect at the hands of her caretaker. The caretaker, a 52-year-old woman, was charged with a felony count of abuse regarding the patient.

The nursing home abuse and neglect initially came to light when incidents were reported at First Shamrock Care Center in Kingfisher, Okla. According to a report by Enid News & Eagle, an agent of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General’s Office was dispatched to investigate on March 16, 2018. Investigations of this sort are important to the Attorney General’s Office, said the agent, to ensure that facilities receiving Medicaid funding are not engaging in nursing home abuse and neglect.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit agent allegedly found that a caretaker at Shamrock Care Center and a certified nurse aid, had been using a gait belt to restrain a resident in the confines of her wheelchair—but the caretaker was not authorized to do so. In order to use of physical (or chemical) restraints, one must first have a physician’s order authorizing such actions. There are other requirements as well.

Enid News & Eagle says the agent wrote up an affidavit to report the nursing home abuse and neglect. “Prior to using restraints as a method of fall prevention or for positioning purposes, a resident must provide written consent for their use. All restraints used shall allow for quick release and may not be used for convenience. Restraints may only be used on a physician’s written order,” noted the agent in the report.

After the agent’s report, an investigation unfolded. The caretaker admitted to officials that she had used the gait belt restraint on the resident in question.

A felony warrant was subsequently issued, with a bond set at $10,000. Prosecution for the case is being handled by the Attorney General’s Office.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Being on the lookout for signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is essential to protect these vulnerable citizens. Signs of negligence are often small physical injuries or anomalies, including bed sores, dehydration, and chronic infections. These can indicate that they are not being taken care of on a regular basis.

More signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can be found on our investigation page.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

If you believe someone you love has been harmed by nursing home abuse and neglect, you may be able to pursue litigation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these situations, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but, if successful, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.