Nine Arrested in Fatal Nursing Home Abuse Case

Elder abuse is one of the most under-reported forms of abuse, according to crime statistics and researchers. Whether it occurs in a nursing home or other long-term senior care facility, there are less dollars spent on preventing elder abuse than almost any other type of abuse. As a result, many families are forced to take action after their loved one is hurt, usually by filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Recently, one case of elderly abuse made headlines when nine people were arrested for abusing their patients at a Long Island nursing home. Out of the nine people charged, seven were arrested as part of a ring of abusers who allegedly led to the death of 72-year-old Aurelia Rios in October 2012.

Rios was a patient at the nursing home facility where licensed caretaker Kethlie Joseph has been charged with criminally negligent homicide. David Fielding, an administrator at the home, was charged with allegedly covering up the crime.

Prior to her placement in the nursing home, Rios was a dental assistant and had three children. She was sent to the Medford Multicare Center for a case of pneumonia. It was meant to be a case of temporary rehabilitation. However, authorities have stated that during her stay, a ventilator somehow disconnected and employees ignored alarms for a full two hours. Rios died from the negligence, and according to her daughter the center claimed she had died from a heart attack.

However, one daughter, Michelle Giamarino, suspected something was awry. “It didn’t sit right with us. I cried a lot, but now I’m very angry—how can you be that negligent? That’s a life. I didn’t want her to be awake, trying to scream and no sound came out.”

Following Rios’ death, an anonymous source got hold of the state’s Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, to encourage the investigation into the death of the senior. Once Schneiderman began digging into the story, he uncovered a civil complaint filed against the management which noted an ongoing pattern of abuse and neglect.

According to Schneiderman, there are over 5,000 reports of accidents just from 2008 at this one nursing home facility. He says employee negligence was to blame for “severe injuries” another patient sustained.

Meanwhile, the owner of the nursing home has waylaid $60 million of Medicaid funds for their own personal use. However, a local spokesperson for the center, Hank Sheinkopf, says that the “recent reviews” of the facility have not noted infractions of any kind.

“Not only does the facility meet all safety protocols mandated by the state, it has a history of going beyond what is required. Over the past five years, the facility has done increasingly well on its Department of Health inspections, and on its most recent review last August, did not receive a single infraction. We are very concerned by the charges filed by the attorney general today, but we know that these allegations are not indicative of the excellent quality of care that we and our staff provide to residents.”

Amidst claims of “trumped up charges” that the facility allege, the family is moving forward with an elderly abuse lawsuit.

On the other hand, the family says they have surveillance footage that will “prove negligence in court.”

Currently, all nine people arrested are on administrative leave. This is just one of many cases of elder abuse which have been popping up around the country. However, it’s making headlines given the sheer number of people accused of abuse.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

There are many red flags to watch out for if you know an elder who relies on care at a nursing home or assisted living facility. There are many types of elder abuse beyond physical. Sexual, emotional, neglect and financial abuse are all very real issues that seniors may face. Every person is different and may exhibit signs of nursing home abuse differently. However, sudden character changes or mood swings, from being withdrawn to lashing out at caregivers, might be a sign that something’s amiss. Physical signs, such as bruises or scratches, shouldn’t be overlooked.

However, financial abuse might show if there’s a sudden shift in an elder’s financial situation. Trusting your gut is often best, and there’s no harm in calling your state’s 800 hotline for elder abuse. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly depend on outsiders to help them when they’re being abused. Taking action is crucial.

Do You Suspect Elder Abuse?

Do you know someone whom you suspect may be the victim of abuse? If so, the situation may qualify for an elder abuse legal claim. Read more at the Elder Abuse Identification & Nursing Home Neglect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Once your information is received, an attorney will be in touch if there’s a possible elder abuse claim review.