Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A 40-year-old man has been accused of murdering two elderly women at an assisted living facility in California.
Two women, ages 83 and 75, were found dead when police responded to an emergency call at Happy Home Care on June 24. The women both lived at the facility.
The man accused of killing the women was employed as a live-in caretaker at the facility.
An investigation into what happened is being conducted by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
The facility, that is home to four residents currently, is still open, according to the CDSS.
Our Florida Assisted Living Facility and Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will always defend those who suffered injuries or wrongful death because of caregiver’s carelessness. When a caregiver fails to perform their obligation to a resident, this is considered negligence. This can include lack of proper medical care/medications, physical neglect, and lack of meeting a resident’s basic needs. The most blatant and evident kind of abuse in nursing homes may include physical abuse, such as:
- Kicking
- Pushing
- Slapping or hitting
- Rough treatment
- Unnecessary use of restraints
Just as physical abuse, emotional and mental abuse can come in many different forms. Residents are more susceptible to psychological abuse and manipulation when they rely on nursing home staff to take care of their basic needs. Some examples of emotional and mental abuse are:
- Calling the resident names
- Verbal abuse
- Isolating residents from others
- Verbal threats
- Keeping residents from partaking in well-liked activities
- Denying residents medication, food, or water
Although it may not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities, sexual abuse occurs more frequently than you may believe. Sexual abuse at the facility can occur from staff members, guests, or even other residents. Rape, unwanted touching, exposure of intimate body parts, and other behaviors all fall under the realm of sexual abuse.
Not all cases of nursing home negligence and abuse involve the intentional harm of residents. Certain injuries sustained by residents are the consequence of staff negligence, which prevents residents from receiving the necessary care. Although not as severe as abuse, neglect in nursing homes is nevertheless a serious issue that can result in fatalities or serious injuries. Here are a few instances of neglect in nursing homes:
- Failing to provide enough food or water
- Keeping residents isolated from others
- Medication errors
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Not completing basic grooming of a resident
- Ignoring medical emergencies and failing to act
- Not helping a resident who requires help getting around or using the restroom
Never hesitate to get assistance if you think a loved one has been abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility. First, make sure they are relocated to a safe location and get in touch with the authorities if you believe they are in danger. Next, contact our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. A consultation with us is always FREE. Let us help you now.