Long Term Care Facility Archives - Page 6 of 19 - New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers Reminder: Look for Small forms of Neglect

We write a lot about shocking and extreme cases of elder abuse and neglect. But we want to remind you that, as nursing home neglect lawyers, it is just as important to look out for the small forms of neglect. The elderly are very vulnerable and the smallest thing can turn into a serious infection or other medical problem. A nursing home in Petaluma, California is being sued by the family of a former resident. According to the suit, the home did not provide proper care to the elderly 90-year-old woman and neglected her on a daily basis. They “repeatedly failed to perform basic wound monitoring, nutrition and hydration.”

Woman’s Wounds and Infections Worsened when Facility Neglected Proper Care

According to Audrey Gerard, the family’s attorney,

“When my client was evaluating the facility for her mother, she was given documents that described the home as having experts in wound care, but while she was there wounds became huge and infected…The wound was so bad that she had to be taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital, which filed a claim with the Sonoma County ombudsman’s office.”?

The home has received dozens of complaints in the past several years, including not properly hydrating residents, failing to prevent accidents, and not supplying proper diets, which can all be very harmful to the health of the elderly. According to the Medicare website, Petaluma Health and Rehabilitation has spent less licensed staff hours per patient than the average for a facility in California.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have witnessed your loved one being abused, you have noticed any strange bruises, scratches or sores, or you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, our professionals can address your questions and concerns. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation with one of our nursing home neglect lawyers at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Report Improvement in Nation Nursing Homes

Our blog contains many stories of negligent and abusive nursing homes and care givers. We report on these cases to raise awareness of the poor conditions that many of our elderly population have to endure. With all of these horrible cases of abuse and neglect, as nursing home abuse lawyers, we were happily surprised to read a recent report that came to the conclusion that overall nursing home care has improved in the past few years. This is incredibly good news and means that nursing home and government officials are finally starting to realize how important this problem is and has begun to fix facility conditions.

Study Shows Measurable Increase in Quality of Care and Life of Nursing Home Residents

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According to a report by the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care and the American Health Care Association, America’s nursing home facilities have increased quality of care in the past few years. Since 2009, facilities have accomplished measurable improvements in nine out of ten quality measures which positively affect the quality of care and life of the nearly 2.5 million people who receive nursing home care a year. Independent researchers used government measured data to analyze the “capabilities of skilled nursing facilities, trends in skilled nursing care and the need for quality measures to effectively evaluate rehabilitation outcomes among an increasingly diverse patient population.” They found that nursing facilities have improved in their short term care, including patient delirium, pain and pressure ulcers, as well as their long term care including daily living, high-risk pressure ulcers, resident mobility and pain.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, we encourage you to visit frequently and be very observant of their treatment as well as their living conditions. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers Help Get Man 35 Years in Prison for Scamming the Elderly

As elder abuse lawyers, we want to warn the elderly population and their loved ones of the many people who prey on the elderly because they see them as an easy target. The elderly can be vulnerable and too trusting, at times, of people who do not have the best intentions. We have seen many cases where strangers befriend the elderly and make promises that they have no intention of keeping in order to rob them of any and all monies, savings, and belongings. This is a serious problem that is happening far too often. Keep an eye on your loved ones’ finances and remind them to be careful of who they give their personal information.

Man Cons Elderly out of $100,000 After Promising Home Repairs

Timothy Ralph Carrillo, 49, has been convicted by a California jury and sentenced to 35 years in prison for stealing more than $100,000. Carrillo has been convicted of 24 counts, including financial elder abuse, residential burglary, grand theft and contracting without a license. From 2006 to 2008, Carrillo convinced nine people, mostly elderly with some in their 80s, to pay him in advance for home repairs such as painting, window replacement, and roofing. He then disappeared and never did any of the promised repairs. The victims testified during trial that their losses ranged from $1,260 to $65,000. One of his victims borrowed $65,000 on an equity credit line and was told by Carrillo to pay $50,000 to his “partner” for supplies. But the third man was actually someone Carrillo owed money for a gambling debt.

Carrillo has prior felony convictions for commercial burglary, grand theft, driving under the influence, and obtaining money by false pretenses. Because of his record and California’s three strikes law, Carrillo’s sentence was twice as long as what it would have been. According to Judge Russell Scott, “Based on the defendant’s character … he does clearly fit the purpose of the three strikes law.” Judge Scott went on to tell Carrillo “You’re a predator. I don’t know if anybody’s ever said that to you…Here you are preying on the elderly … and you don’t care.” Carrillo was convicted in 2009 in Texas of similar cases of cheating the elderly and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He will serve his 35 years in California after he has completed his time in Texas.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently being taken advantage of financially, or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate and want to speak with elder abuse lawyers, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers: Nurse Charged for Overmedicating Residents

nursing home abuse lawyers in NJ and PA Some caregivers and nurses use medications as a way to calm their patients and make them easier to handle. As nursing home abuse lawyers, we see many cases of abuse where overworked and frustrated care workers abuse and neglect their patients in many different ways. Marty Himebaugh, 60 years old, has pleaded guilty to felony criminal neglect for overmedicating residents and giving patients medications they had not been prescribed. Prosecutors have dropped five other felony counts against the former nurse after her guilty plea, but she still faces up to three years in prison. She admitted to giving the anti-anxiety medication Ativanto an agitated male resident who had not been prescribed the medication by a doctor.

In 2006, authorities began investigating the nursing home facility where Himebaugh worked after six resident deaths involved overdoses of morphine. In 2008, Himebaugh and her former supervisor, Penny Whitlock, were charged due to their connection with the nursing homes. Neither were charged with causing any of the patient deaths.

In 2009, Himebaugh’s nursing license was suspended by the state. This year, Whitlock was acquitted of charges that she allowed Himebaugh to overmedicate her patients and that she tried to obstruct the investigation by ordering an employee to destroy drugs she kept in her desk. Although she denies using the phrase, according to reports Whitlock nicknamed Himebaugh the “Angel of Death” because of the way her patients died.

Victim’s Loved Ones Conflicted about Guilty Plea

According to Himebaugh’s attorney Sam Amirante, “She really felt she did the right thing.” He will be pushing for Himebaugh to be placed on probation, saying that “It’s been a long haul for her. She wanted to get this over with and go on with her life.” But the relatives of the patients that died because of Himebaugh’s actions are upset with the plea deal. “We’re saddened she didn’t have to face trial on all the charges, we’re gratified she admitted some of her guilt,” said Steven Levin, who represents relatives of 78-year-old Virginia Cole.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, pay attention to the quality of the nursing staff. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Woman Assaults Man with Two-By-Four

When most people think of elder or nursing home abuse, they think of a disabled or elderly resident of a nursing home who is being taken advantage of physically, mentally or financially. While these are the majority of cases that elder abuse lawyers come across, it is important to remember that any form of abuse or assault that is inflicted on someone over the age of 70 can be considered elder abuse.

Woman Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison after Abusing 91 Year Old Boyfriend

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On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, forty-six year old Amy Lynne Dunlap was convicted of elder abuse and sentenced to seven years in prison. She was convicted for hitting her 91 year old boyfriend Robert Palacio Jr. with a two-by-four after an argument on April 14. After the fight, Palacio went into the attic to avoid Dunlap, but as he was climbing down the ladder from the attic Dunlap hit him in the head twice with the two-by-four piece of wood. Injuries sustained included two cuts on his head, one above the left eye and the other on top of his head. According to prosecutors, the elderly man never left the hospital after his head injuries and died on April 25 of atherosclerotic heart disease. Dunlap was initially charged with inflicting corporal injury on a cohabitant and assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury. Her charge had an enhancement because the victim was older than 70 years of age.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently being taken advantage of physically, or they are a resident of a nursing home and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers:Columbus Manor received 11 Health Citations

There are many codes and requirements that nursing homes need to meet in order to keep their license to operate. They are monitored by the local department of health in order to regulate the facilities and make sure they are keeping the safety and health of their residents their first priority. As nursing home abuse lawyers , we want to remind you when looking for a facility for yourself or a loved one to research past citations.
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Columbus Manor Residential Care Home has been cited by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for not complying with 11 federal requirements that nursing homes must obey in order to participate in the Medicare program. Based on inspection surveys in April, July and August, violations were found that involved resident rights, quality of life issues and the physical environment of the facility. In July they found a pool of standing water in the boiler room and laundry room with an extension cord plugged into an outlet and an electric fan going through the puddle. They also found ten pounds of non-dated chicken, ground beef and other food. In August the facility was cited for failing to supervise a resident, who was a registered sex offender with history of sexual aggression, after he left the home without permission and was hit by a car. The resident was admitted to the hospital for a knee fracture. The facility then failed to create a care plan to prevent an incident like this from happening again.

Facility Fixes Problems and Avoids Serious Punishments

Columbus Manor would have been removed from the federal Medicaid program if the health citations were not rectified by October. But after the August survey, the nursing home submitted their plan for how the violations will be corrected and the health department confirmed that the improvements were made and waived the 11 citations. According to Melaney Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, it is not uncommon that deficiencies are waived once the facility has corrected the problems. She said “Sometimes it’s just trying to train the staff of a new policy written – some of those things are easily correctable.” But according to Elce Redmond, an organizer for the South Austin Community Coalition, Columbus Manor has had “massive problems” for the past few years and “it’s a shame residents live the way they do.” It is a shame that it takes the government stepping in and threatening these facilities for them to actually fix such obvious problems.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have witnessed any questionable conditions or abusive behavior in a nursing home, directed towards your loved one or even another resident, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers: CFO Steals $52,000 from Facility

Putting a loved one in a nursing home or long term care facility is a very hard decision to make. You are giving up control and trusting the staff and administrators to look after the best interest of someone you care so much about. As nursing home abuse lawyers, we see some heinous acts of abuse and neglect. Where most physical abuse is the result of frustrated and overworked nurses and direct care workers, we are finding that administrators and other officials are abusing their power to gain financially from the home. They are taking facility funds away from the elderly and disabled residents and putting them into their pockets.

Nursing Home Official Received Fraudulent Expense Reimbursements

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Perry Vandeventer, 64, is the former chief financial officer for Shepherd of the Valley nursing home who is being charged with two felony counts of larceny and obtaining property by false pretenses for stealing almost $52,000 from the facility between March of 2008 and January of 2011. He acquired fraudulent expense reimbursements totaling $23,719.66, allegedly receiving the money by submitting fake receipts for contractors who never did any work, obtaining cash advances for travel of trips he didn’t take, education expenses and obtaining money for purposes unrelated to the facility. He also used two of the home’s credit cards to purchase personal items including a computer, books, personal cell phone, meals, vehicle repairs and fuel totaling $28,080.05. He is facing more than ten years in prison if convicted of these charges.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have witnessed any questionable or abusive behavior in a nursing home facility directed towards your loved one or even another resident and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Neglect Leads to Bed Sores, Gangrene, and Amputation

As elder abuse lawyers, we always find it disheartening when adult children abuse or neglect their elderly parents. Siblings Kevin Roberson, 42, Alan Roberson, 54, and Connie Roberson, 51 are being charged with criminal abuse of an elderly person, which is a felony with a possible sentence of ten years in prison. The three siblings are currently in jail with each of their bail set at $250,000. In addition, each of them is forbidden from having any contact with their mother, Martha Robinson.

The three siblings were in charge of caring for their 77 year old mother from June 18, 2011 to October 2, 2011. During this time, they failed to make sure that their mother was properly fed, bathed, or taken care of medically. In general, she became the victim of severe and egregious neglect.

Severe Case of Abuse Worst Senior Services Employee Has Ever Seen

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Barbara Kolaski, Senior Services Elder Abuse Supervisor who has worked with seniors for 40 years, said that this is the worst case of neglect that she has ever seen. The abuse was uncovered when Martha was brought to the hospital on Sunday, October 2. There, they found three shocking pressure wounds. There was a three-inch deep sore on the elderly woman’s tailbone that was black, red and purple. Her right leg was black from gangrene and later had to be amputated.

It is horrifying to think that Martha Robinson endured this pain and suffering at the hands of her own, grown children. Unfortunately, facilities that are paid to care for your loved ones can be guilty of the exact same thing; egregious neglect that leads to devastating consequences.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate you should speak with our professionals. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Advocate Group Distributes Hearing Devices

Elder and nursing home abuse prevention and awareness are vital in stopping the elderly and disabled from being taken advantage of or neglected. As elder abuse lawyers, we try to increase knowledge and provide prevention tips and warning signs to help keep your loved ones from falling victim to abuse. It is always rewarding to read about an individual or organization that is actively helping the fight against elder abuse.

Anonymous Donation Buys 200 Hearing Devices for Elder Abuse Advocate Group

new jersey philadlephia elder abuse lawyers advocate group hearing devices The Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance will be distributing personal amplification devices in order to help law enforcement and emergency personnel communicate more efficiently with hearing-impaired individuals. Thanks to an anonymous donation, the alliance will be purchasing 200 SuperEar 4000 amplification devices, which cost about $40 each. The devices are portable, battery operated, and consist of a headset, which the elderly person wears, and a small microphone that is held. They will be distributed free to all county police departments, state police barracks, hospital emergency rooms, Advanced Life Support services, the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services Protective Services Unit, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, district attorney’s office, victim advocate and victim witness coordinator.

According to Carolyn Tenaglia, a member of the alliance, these devices are going to be a big help for officials to communicate with the hearing impaired in crisis situations. Gaining detailed and accurate information from victims of elder abuse is very important and when the victim is hearing impaired, this can be a challenge. Hopefully these devices will help the process. Tenaglia further explains,

“They are easily kept in a police car, easy to use, don’t take up a lot of space, and you simply replace the small battery when you need too. We try to educate the community about elder abuse, try to help law enforcement so they can more successfully prosecute people who are committing the crime of elder abuse.”

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, we encourage you to visit frequently and be very observant of any scratches, bruises, or anything that does not look right. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate and would like to speak to an elder abuse lawyer, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Elder Abuse Lawyers: Man Arrested for Burning Father with Cigarette

As you get older and need to depend more on your loved ones for help, there are a lot of things that you need to watch out for to protect yourself from elder abuse. As elder abuse lawyers, we are trying to provide as much knowledge about this growing problem as we can. No one wants to believe that their adult children would take advantage of or hurt them in any way, but it occurs more often than most people think. Elderly adults with children that live far away are at a higher risk to be abused. When one child is handling the day to day care and the other lives far away, they can be in the dark about how their parent is being treated.

Delusional Man Abuses Father for Calling Him an Obscene Name

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Tracy Gerard Chapman, 46 years old, was arrested on Friday, September 30, 2011 for a charge of elder abuse. He is being accused of abusing his 82 year old father, Jack Chapman, who is partially disabled because of a stroke. According to a report from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Tracy Chapman burned his father on the back of the neck with a lit cigarette because his father was yelling at him to stop insulting his brother Stephen who lives in Kansas and called him an obscene name. The heated altercation occurred on September 26, 2011, but when the brother found out about the abuse on Friday, he called local authorities to check on his father. Jack Chapman told the police that his son has also hit him in the past and recently hit him on the leg a few weeks ago. When examined, no other injuries were found on the elderly man’s body other than the burn.

While being investigated by authorities, along with explaining why he burned his father, Tracy Chapman insisted that he was the son of Elvis. He told the deputy that this “has always caused him trouble in the past.” The deputy said that Chapman “was somewhat delusional [but] otherwise appeared to be in control of his faculties and able to provide oral statements of what had occurred.” Tracy Chapman has been charged with knowingly and willfully abusing an elderly person by intentionally inflicting physical injury.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate you should speak with a professional. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation with one of our elder abuse lawyers at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.