State Of Texas Seeing Increase In Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse

When a person decides to place an elderly loved in a nursing home, it can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider; however worrying about whether or not one’s loved will be treated properly shouldn’t be one of them. Anyone in the Dallas area who has been the victim of elderly abuse or neglect may be entitled to compensation.

According to a recent report, nursing home abuse and neglect are on the rise all across the state of Texas. The investigation uncovered one case of abuse involving a 97-year-old woman suffering from dementia. The woman’s family put a hidden camera in her room, which captured several nursing home aids slapping or shoving the woman. The aids were fired and charged with elderly abuse.

According to the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), Texas nursing home deficiencies increased by almost 1,000 from 2011 to 2012. Severe violations jumped 35 percent. Meantime, the investigation also discovered that even though many of the facilities are cited for repeated violations their contracts with the state are almost never terminated even though they are receiving millions of dollars from taxpayers.

No one should ever be the victim of abuse, including the elderly. When someone who works at a nursing home or care facility has mistreated a patient in any way, he or she should be held accountable. Any person who feels that one of his or her loved ones has been the victim of elderly abuse or neglect should probably speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Source: KVUE, “Nursing home abuse and neglect on the rise in Texas,” Andy Pierotti, Nov. 8, 2013.