Patients who reside in care facilities in New Mexico and across the country often have medical conditions that make it difficult to care for themselves. These patients may also be unable to defend themselves from harm should another party seek to take advantage of and/or abuse them. Elder abuse is a significant issue for many, and a former employee at a nursing home in another state has recently been arrested after she was accused of assaulting a 90-year-old patient.
The elderly patient reportedly cried out during the incident, in which she was assaulted by an employee at the facility. According to reports, the incident began after the patient was unable to get out of bed and make it to the bathroom. The former employee was apparently angered by the mess and reportedly began to hit the woman in the back numerous times, causing her to suffer injuries in the process.
She received medical attention for the injuries but claims to have experienced difficulty moving around following the incident. The family asserts that her health has begun to deteriorate following the abusive actions of the former employee. Although the woman is facing criminal charges, the facility may also be under investigation, especially since it already has almost a dozen documented issues surrounding patient health and safety over the past two years.
Victims of elder abuse can suffer in numerous ways, some of which may be difficult to detect. With some medical conditions potentially making it difficult for a patient to express discomfort, families could choose to inform themselves of the signs and ensure the safety of their loved ones. When abuse is present, a family in New Mexico could speak with an attorney for advice and assistance in pursuing compensation through a claim against the party or parties deemed culpable.
Source: fox7austin.com, “Former North Austin nursing home employee accused of assaulting patient”, Ashley Paredez, July 18, 2017