Nursing Home Abuse

Preventing Nursing Home Abuse and Protecting Vulnerable Residents

February 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Nursing homes are meant to provide care, safety, and dignity for residents who often cannot protect themselves. When staff members fail to uphold this responsibility, the consequences can be devastating. A recent case in Florida underscores the vulnerability of nursing home residents and the urgent need to hold facilities and staff accountable for abusive behavior. Two disabled residents at a facility were subjected to physical abuse by a staff member who was supposed to care for them. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance, reporting, and legal action to protect nursing home residents from harm.

Abuse in nursing homes often occurs in situations where residents are unable to communicate their experiences. In the recent case, the victims were a quadriplegic individual with intellectual disabilities and a person suffering from a traumatic brain injury, both of whom were non-verbal. Another staff member witnessed the abuse, describing how the perpetrator repeatedly struck the residents on their legs, sides, and buttocks with an open hand. Such incidents demonstrate the importance of third-party reporting and the critical role of facility oversight in preventing harm to vulnerable individuals.

The Vulnerability of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing Home Abuse Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Nursing home abuse is one of the most troubling issues affecting elderly and vulnerable populations. A recent case in Virginia highlights the severe consequences of neglect and mistreatment in long-term care facilities. Nearly 20 individuals are facing charges in connection with the death of a 74-year-old woman who was discharged from a nursing home and later died in a hospital due to inadequate care. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance and accountability in nursing home facilities to ensure that residents receive the care and respect they deserve.

According to authorities, the investigation began after a report of suspected elder abuse was filed on October 5. The 74-year-old patient had been living at a nursing home before being transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to complications from the neglect she endured at the facility. Following an in-depth investigation, five individuals were arrested, and thirteen others are currently being sought. Those detained include staff members from various roles within the facility, from nursing staff to the facility’s director. Charges range from falsifying patient records to abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.

How Can Inadequate Care Result in Resident Death?

The death of the 74-year-old patient is a heartbreaking example of how neglect in nursing homes can result in fatal outcomes. Neglect often involves failing to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as providing adequate medical care, hygiene, nutrition, or supervision. In this case, authorities reported that the care provided at the nursing home was so deficient that it directly contributed to the woman’s hospitalization and eventual death.

Holding Maryland Facilities Accountable for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

December 13, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Recent criminal charges against caregivers for alleged abuse of elderly residents in long-term care facilities underscore the ongoing problem of nursing home malpractice. These incidents, some of which were caught on video, highlight the physical and emotional harm vulnerable residents often endure at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes are alarmingly common and often go unreported, leaving victims and their families struggling to seek justice and accountability. If you suspect that a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, Maryland law provides avenues for pursuing legal action against both individual caregivers and the facilities that employ them.

Shocking Cases of Elder Abuse Highlight Systemic Failures in Long-Term Care Facilities

Recent allegations against several caregivers for abusing elderly residents have shed light on widespread issues in long-term care facilities. These incidents include physical assaults, verbal abuse, and neglect, some of which were captured on video. For example, one caregiver was seen aggressively handling an elderly resident with Alzheimer’s, while another verbally berated a resident in a memory care unit. In other cases, residents were left vulnerable due to improper supervision or unreported errors in care. These examples underscore the systemic failures in nursing home oversight, where gaps in staff training, inadequate supervision, and high employee turnover create environments ripe for abuse. While the caregivers responsible have faced criminal charges, the facilities where these incidents occurred must also answer for failing to protect their residents. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures in long-term care facilities to ensure that residents are treated with dignity and respect.

Infuriating Cases of Nursing Home Abuse on the Rise in Maryland

November 22, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The growing crisis of nursing home abuse has captured national attention, shedding light on a troubling trend that endangers some of the most vulnerable members of society. Maryland, like the rest of the country, is no stranger to the alarming rise in cases of neglect and mistreatment in skilled nursing facilities. One recent incident in the state garnered enough attention to warrant a detailed news report, underscoring the severity of the issue and the urgent need for accountability.

In this case, an elderly Maryland resident endured neglect so severe that it resulted in significant harm, drawing attention to the facility’s failure to uphold its duty of care. The resident, already frail and dependent on staff, was left to suffer without proper medical attention or basic assistance. Family members, horrified by the conditions and the injuries sustained, have sought justice by taking legal action. The details of this case reveal systemic failures, including understaffing, insufficient training, and blatant disregard for the well-being of residents. These failings represent a dereliction of duty, highlighting the facility’s prioritization of profits over the health and safety of those in their care.

What Are Families Options After Discovering Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Families affected by nursing home tragedies often feel overwhelmed, unsure of their rights, and uncertain about their next steps. Legal recourse becomes essential not only to secure justice for their loved ones but also to demand accountability and push for systemic changes. Facilities that neglect their responsibilities should face consequences to deter similar incidents in the future. Lawsuits like this one expose the hidden issues within these institutions, shining a light on the urgent need for reform.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Maryland’s Largest Nursing Home Raises Unsettling Questions

October 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The statistics speak for themselves: Elder abuse in nursing homes is much too commonplace across Maryland… and the nation. Sadly, too, the trend is not only limited to second- and third-tier nursing facilities. As personal injury specialists, the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, are very familiar with the uncomfortable fact that seniors living in elder care facilities may be at greater risk of abuse, injury or death than their loved ones may know.

It’s so very unfortunate that a large segment of our aging population residing in nursing homes, elder care facilities and long-term care operations are likely to experience some kind of physical or mental abuse, or simply poor care or neglect at the hands of nursing home employees — and even medical professionals charged with their well-being. Again, this is not surprising to those who follow the elder care industry; studies by the National Council on Aging indicate that one in 10 American citizens 60 years and older have experienced some form of elder abuse — shockingly, more than 95 percent of incidents involving abused residents of assisted living facilities, long-term care operations and nursing homes typically go unreported.

Not long ago, a news story revealed some terrible facts surrounding the apparent abuse and ultimately the death of an elderly resident at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, located in Rockville, MD. The information came to light as part of a multiple-count wrongful death lawsuit filed by the estate of Sara McAlpin, who died at the age of 96 from complications related to a Stage 4 pressure ulcer (also known as a bed sore). Bed sores in patients who reside at elder care facilities are considered evidence of neglect and Ms. McAlpin’s medical condition featured one of the worst kinds of decubitus ulcers — a large open wound greater than “the diameter of a teacup” exhibiting exposed bone and damage to the tissues underneath.

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable for Abuse and Neglect in Maryland

October 25, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Recent reports from a North Durham nursing home highlight alarming cases of abuse and neglect, underscoring the importance of holding long-term care facilities accountable for the treatment of their residents. The claims made by residents include instances of inadequate hygiene care, staff neglect, unsanitary living conditions, and even theft of personal belongings. These issues are not unique to one location. Nursing home abuse and neglect can happen anywhere and residents and their families must be aware of the legal protections in place to address such mistreatment.

In Maryland, nursing homes are legally required to meet certain standards of care. When they fail, residents and their families have the right to take legal action to protect their loved ones and hold the facility accountable for any harm caused.

What Are the Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes?

The troubling allegations from residents of the Durham facility include claims of staff sleeping on the job, inadequate medical care, and unsanitary living conditions, such as mold and poor hygiene. Unfortunately, these incidents are far too common in underfunded or poorly managed nursing homes.

Suspected Fraud in Nursing Home Filings Raises Concerns About Resident Care

August 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Fraud in nursing home operations is not just a financial issue—it can have profound implications for residents’ quality of care. When nursing homes prioritize profits over patient care, it often leads to understaffing, inadequate medical attention, and neglect, all of which can cause significant harm to vulnerable residents. Understanding how fraud in these facilities may contribute to injuries is crucial for families seeking to protect their loved ones and for legal professionals advocating.

Fraudulent Filings at Seashore Point Nursing Home: Hidden Profits and Resident Neglect

Recent reports have surfaced alleging that the owners of a nursing home in Seashore Point have been using a complex network of companies to conceal profits while cutting back on essential nursing staff. This fraudulent practice, which involves misleading financial filings submitted to Medicare and Medicaid, has potentially allowed the owners to pocket over $1 million while compromising the care provided to residents.

Medication Errors and Resident Abuse Complaints Lead to Investigation of a Nursing Home

June 21, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In a recent case, a nursing home came under scrutiny following multiple reports of medication errors and resident abuse. This investigation highlights the serious consequences of neglect and abuse in nursing facilities and underscores the importance of legal intervention to protect vulnerable residents. Seeking the help of an attorney can be crucial in such situations, ensuring that the rights of the residents are upheld and those responsible are held accountable.

Nursing Facility Receives Complaints About Medication Errors and Quality of Care

A nursing facility was recently investigated by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) after several complaints were filed. The violations cited on the department’s website relate to medication errors, quality of resident care, inadequate staff training, and the abuse of residents.

Nursing Home Aide Arrested On Charges of Elderly Abuse

May 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

According to a recent local news article, a nursing aide is under arrest on charges she abused a patient in Springfield Township, Hamilton County court records show. The aide is accused of assaulting a Burlington House Healthcare Center patient, according to her arrest report from Springfield Township police. Burlington House Healthcare Center is a memory care community that specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, according to its website. The aide hit the victim with multiple items and even “forcibly restrained” the patient by “pushing down on the victim’s chest and face,” her arrest report states. She was arrested Tuesday on charges of patient abuse or neglect, assault, and failing to provide for a functionally impaired person. The week before, someone at Burlington House Healthcare Center alerted Springfield Township police that they were investigating possible patient abuse. An incident report also was filed. The aide that was arrested and another nurse aide, the report says, “may have abused” the patient early in the morning on April 24. The report states that “Burlington House head nurse advised there were no signs of any injury. There was no visible injury.”

Selecting a good nursing home or care facility for your loved ones is a difficult and trying process. Trusting an elder or group home to help our loved ones and family members following hospitalizations or for long-term care is a stressful and complicated decision. That choice can be even more nerve-wracking when widespread practices of elder abuse, medication errors, and financial abuse are uncovered. When nursing homes and care facilities fail to meet the basic requirements of care for residents, they must be held accountable.

Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Go Largely Unreported?

There is an inherent power balance between residents and staff in nursing homes. Staff members are in charge of feeding, treating, and caring for residents, often making residents fully or largely reliant on staff members. That imbalance can result in a hesitation to report or take action when abuses are occurring. Additionally, many residents may have trouble directly or clearly communicating their experiences. As a result, it often falls to visitors and loved ones to advocate for them when things go wrong. It is extremely important to take a resident seriously if they disclose or report instances of nursing home neglect or abuse.

Nursing Home Aide Arrested On Charges of Elderly Abuse

April 28, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Selecting a good nursing home or care facility for your loved ones is a difficult and trying process. Trusting an elder or group home to help our loved ones and family members following hospitalizations or for long-term care is a stressful and complicated decision. That choice can be even more nerve-wracking when widespread practices of elder abuse, medication errors, and financial abuse are uncovered. When nursing homes and care facilities fail to meet the basic requirements of care for residents, they must be held accountable. A recent local news article discussed the arrest of a nursing home aide after he allegedly assaulted an elderly patient.

According to the article, police say a Waterford man was arrested for assaulting his elderly patient at a nursing home facility in East Lyme. According to law enforcement officials, the 44-year-old John Blaise turned himself in on Friday at the East Lyme police department for an active arrest warrant. The warrant stemmed from a report that was made last November. The report came from the daughter of an elderly patient at Crescent Point in Niantic. She alleged that her mother had suffered multiple injuries while she was staying at the facility.

According to the police, the woman put a camera in her mother’s room to monitor the situation. She told police she notified Crescent Point staff of the camera. According to the arrest warrant the woman showed video footage of the aide hitting the victim to East Lyme police. Earlier this month the victim died from an unrelated incident when she fell. An autopsy was performed by the office of the chief medical examiner who determined the cause of death was complications of blunt trauma of right and lower extremity with femur fracture. Blaise was charged with second-degree abuse of persons and assault 3 of an elderly victim.