A 47-year-old practical nurse, who was employed at a New York nursing home, recently pleaded guilty to neglecting an elderly blind resident. According to the report, he was accused of failing to administer medication to the 73-year-old man who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The report stated that on Feb. 12, 2013, he was assigned to care for the 73-year-old. The man had a gastronomy tube due to having difficulties with swallowing. The nurse admitted to failing to provide the man with his medication even though it had been prescribed by the resident’s doctor.
He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including a misdemeanor and willful violation of health laws. According to the plea agreement, he was ordered to surrender his nursing license and to complete 100 hours of community service in addition to paying a $1,000 fine.
When a family leaves an elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home, they expect their loved one to be given proper treatment and care. However, the patient may not be properly cared for at the facility. Nursing home neglect and abuse can range from the failure to administer prescribed medications to failure to provide care that prevents bed sores, certain illnesses and broken bones from falls.
If a family believes that the nursing home staff did not provide proper care to their loved one, they may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Through the lawsuit, the family my seek compensation for medical care expenses and loss of the patient’s quality of life. If the patient dies as a result of nursing home negligence, the family may recover damages for funeral costs.
Source: Hudson Valley Reporter, “Former Nurse at Fishkill Nursing Home Pleads Guilty for Neglecting Patient”, April 04, 2014
