Nursing Home Aide Accused of Stealing Medication from Patients
When we place a loved one in the hands of a health care facility, we trust that medical professionals and other staff members have the best intentions for our family member. Despite our efforts, sometimes this trust may be violated.
Recently, a nursing home aide in New York was arrested for allegedly taking medication from patients. The aide was charged with stealing painkillers and falsifying medical records to state that the stolen pills were given to the nursing home’s patients. Her employment was later terminated.
There are many ways in which residents may suffer abuse or neglect in a nursing home environment, including the following:
- Failing to keep facility conditions reasonably safe. Nursing homes are responsible for fixing any hazards it’s staff is aware of, such as unsafe walking surfaces or poorly lit hallways.
- Irresponsible hiring of employees. Nursing homes administrators are responsible for hiring reliable staff and providing proper training to ensure they do not neglect or mistreat patients.
- Negligence in supervising injured patients. If health care workers are aware of a patient’s injury, the patient should receive proper medical attention quickly.
- Failing to comply with health and safety regulations. Nursing homes must maintain sanitary conditions for all private and common spaces in the facility to best protect the wellbeing of their residents
- Failing to provide proper medical treatment to patients. Patients should receive individualized care for their medical conditions and circumstances, and this care should be provided in a timely manner.
If your loved one is in the care of a nursing home and you suspect that he or she is not receiving proper treatment, you have some legal options. Proving responsibility for negligence or mistreatment can be difficult, but a skilled lawyer can help you take action to protect the safety of someone close to you.
For more information and to get started today, meet with a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP.