Elder Law

Two Woman Charged With Elderly Neglect of Stroke Victim

By Levin & Perconti

Nursing home abuse is a widespread problem here in Chicago and across the country. Far too often, vulnerable elderly residents are admitted to these facilities and then suffer through poor treatment. The neglect comes in a variety of forms, from failing to protect certain residents from the unwanted sexual advances of others to the failure to use proper safety measures to prevent deadly falls.

Awareness of the widespread issues related to care at nursing homes causes many families to attempt alternative methods of caring for elderly loved ones who are unable to live without certain extra support. One common technique is employing an at-home caregiver. In that way, the loved one is allowed to stay at his or her own home and live with the assistance of a specially hired aide. However, examples abound of caregivers who also commit egregious acts of abuse and negligence.

For example, SC Now News reported this week on two supposed caregivers who were arrested after their failure to provide the close care required to a vulnerable patient. The 24-year old aides were the caregivers for a non-responsive stroke patient. The elderly patient also had diabetes and a feeding tube. She required constant monitoring and supervision, which was a main reason that both woman were hired to provide the care necessary to keep her health stable.

The woman failed in their duties. Police discovered that they purposefully left the victim alone without supervision for long stretches. Their conduct lead to their arrests for knowing and willful neglect of a vulnerable elderly adult.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on December 24, 2010 (boomark / email).