Many recent reports and studies show that nursing home neglect has developed into a serious and widespread issue in the United States. Each month, we hear about nursing homes that failed to take care of residents or those whose employees abused frail, helpless residents. Now, the California Department of Public Health is investigating complaints against the Santa Cruz Skilled Nursing Center, a 162-bed nursing home on Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. This nursing home was named as one of the 131 worst care facilities in the nation by Medicare officials in 2007.
Residents' Complaints
State officials are examining the facility's records and speaking to employees and residents at the nursing home to determine the facts. Residents complained about various problems including an administrator yelling at a resident, which was caught on camera. Residents also say microwaves and refrigerators have been removed from rooms, weekend maintenance is non-existent and that pain medication has been changed or discontinued without residents' knowledge or agreement.
Questions to Ask
Some of these may not seem like major or life-threatening issues to many who read about it. However, as a nursing home abuse lawyer, who represents victims of negligence and abuse, and their families, I'm concerned. Some of these issues could be symptomatic of more serious problems. I truly hope state investigators are asking a lot of questions. Does the facility follow care plans specified for each resident? Why were the refrigerators and microwaves removed from residents' rooms? Is verbal or emotional abuse an issue in this facility? Do staff members follow instructions with regard to medications?
Protecting Victims' Rights
If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will go after these unethical businesses and help you obtain justice and fair compensation. If you are looking for a nursing home to place a loved one, it is in your best interest to be proactive and look out for any existing red flag in a facility. Unsanitary conditions, residents with sad faces, rooms in a state of disarray are all signs that there is something wrong. It is also a good idea to talk to other residents or their families to get their opinions about the facility.
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