When a person places a loved one in a New Mexico nursing home, it is usually because round-the-clock care or monitoring is necessary. Clearly, it is not so that the patients can become victims of abuse. Nursing home abuse is unacceptable. It is also illegal.
Two workers from a northeastern state recently found themselves arrested after investigations reportedly led authorities to videos and pictures of the pair assaulting several nursing home residents. An 18-year-old nursing assistant and a 25-year-old man, both of whom were employed at the home, deny the accusations. The girl stated that she made immature decisions in an apparently misguided attempt at humor. Both employees were arrested, charged, and released on bail after each entered a plea of not guilty. The judge directed that they stay away from the facility and all of its patients.
Investigators found the abuse recorded on the girl’s cellphone. She had partly nude photos of at least two patients on her phone, as well as videos of at least one patient being slapped, hit, and pinched. The male employee was recorded ‘slap-boxing’ with another patient, who tried to defend himself. When the man tried to walk away, the employee apparently slapped his bottom so hard that he knocked the patient over. This was allegedly in an attempt to get the patient back into his room.
More often than not, nursing home abuse victims are not fully aware of their rights. Any abused individual, whether in New Mexico or another state, has the right to file a claim against any party deemed responsible and to pursue monetary relief. Evidence, such as the videos and pictures in this case, may be offered to support the allegations. No person should have to endure the pain and suffering of abuse in a place where they should feel safe and secure.
Source: wcvb.com, “Two charged with elder assault at an assisted-living facility“, Norman Miller, May 8, 2014
