New Jersey nursing home providers know that the training and support they provide to their care aides and staff is important. Oftentimes, the staff is the most important part of providing a safe and nurturing environment for a loved one. When that sense of responsibility is broken, it can lead to elder abuse. This can take many forms, some of it willfully neglectful or hurtful. Nursing home neglect is a sign that things need to change in the structure of how a nursing home operates to better suit the needs of its patients.
Two aides at one local nursing home have been charged with abusing an elderly resident. The two aides, both 18-years-old, allegedly shot a video of them hitting a resident with dementia. The victim is 96-years-old. Each of the members has been charged with aggravated battery and illegal videotaping. The two were fired from their positions. They had been working at the center for about six months.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to train their staff and maintain a safe environment for the people they care for. If a family member in a New Jersey home has been abused, family members may be able to get additional reimbursement for their pain and suffering. Nursing homes are liable for negligent supervision and the retention of employees who are causing harm to residents.
Assisted living units require the support of a staff that is caring and cooperative, not one that is malicious and disrespectful. Nursing homes are held to a high standard of care. When that standard is breached it can lead to neglect and mistreatment. Breaching a duty of care is a serious offense that should not be tolerated.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Two workers at care center accused of elderly abuse,” Clifford Ward, March 14, 2014
