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Neighboring state questions regulator for nursing home neglect

On Behalf of | May 21, 2014 | Uncategorized |

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, there are many people who have placed their friends and family members at a nursing home so that they get the best possible care, which may not always be available at home. In most cases, these facilities come at a huge price, and, therefore, people expect that their loved ones are attended to with the utmost care and affection. Sadly, even after spending a large sum of money, patients at nursing homes sometimes have to deal with negligence and abuse.

In a recent development, authorities from the neighboring state of Texas questioned a regulator for numerous reports of nursing home neglect. The issue came into focus after a television channel conducted an investigation into nursing home violations in the state. According to reports, there was a 55 percent increase in nursing home violations in the past four years. Incidents range from minor medication errors to instances of verbal and physical abuse.

In one case, investigators placed a hidden camera in a room and saw that a nursing aid slapped a 79-year-old female patient and threw a soiled rug at her face. Considering that most of the people who stay at a nursing home are elderly, nursing home staffs are expected to be on their best behavior so that the patient can live happily. It is unnerving to know that this nursing home continues to operate and has even obtained more than $2 million in federal funding from Medicaid.

Incidents of nursing home neglect are often seen in New Mexico as well. Therefore, there are probably a number of people in Albuquerque and other parts of the state who have experienced similar neglect and abuse at nursing homes. It is important for such people to know that according to New Mexico laws, they may be entitled to monetary compensation if they have faced such treatment at a nursing home.

Source: KVUE.com, “Regulator under scrutiny after nursing home neglect,” Andy Pierrotti, May 15, 2014

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