The family of a nursing home resident who developed a stage IV pressure ulcer and ultimately died from sepsis is suspicious of neglect. The county coroner is not investigating the death because the death certificate has the cause listed as natural, not suspicious or unusual.  However, the family believes there may have been foul play.

Inspectors are claiming one nursing home for veterans failed on numerous occasions to efficiently and effectively investigate reports of resident abuse. Among these claims, injuries such as fractures, bleeding, and resident on resident abuse were not comprehensively investigated. In addition to untimely or non-existent abuse investigations, inspectors also believe some reports were toned down in order to make the facility look less deficient.

Statistics reveal for one state that anti-psychotic drugs are over-administered to nursing home patients more than any other state in the country. The concern is for patients with no psychiatric diagnosis, but are administered these drugs for restraining combativeness. The governor of this state just signed a bill that would require consent from the patient and/or the patient’s responsible party before administering these drugs.

One recent study was conducted in efforts to liven up seniors in nursing homes who suffer from loneliness, depression, and isolation. The study involved utilizing robots in stuffed animal form as forms of comfort. According to the study, the “robopets” were fairly successful at providing care and comfort to many seniors.

Two employees at a nursing home facility were arrested and charged for elder abuse. At least one resident at the facility was seriously injured after the employees ignored the resident’s specific care plan regarding transfers. According to the office of this state’s Attorney General (“AG”), the resident had osteoporosis and required special care when moving from bed to wheelchair.

A nurse employed at one assisted living facility was arrested for involvement in a fight at the facility. Following a police investigation, the nurse was ultimately charged with battery and bodily harm. Following the charges, it was brought to light that this nurse had prior criminal convictions, to which the facility administrator responded he was unaware.