Wyoming families with aging loved ones currently residing in nursing homes will want to review recent testimonies offered in a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. The testimony was given in reference to nursing home negligence, which is a problem in this state and others across the country. One of the people who testified said that abuse had occurred in one of the highest rated facilities in the nation.
The daughter of a now-deceased nursing home resident stated that it is an outrage that such a high-ranking facility has patients dying from neglect, as her mother did. Another woman who also testified regarding a nursing home in a different state painfully recalled how her mother, who was nonverbal due to Alzheimer’s disease, tried to use hand signs to tell her that a worker had sexually abused her. A director for the Center of Clinical Standards and Quality said her agency is focusing on strengthening requirements for nursing homes, as well as increasing transparency of performance.
When a loved one is living in a nursing home, it is not possible for family members to keep an eye on things 24/7. Most cases of abuse come to light after an injury has already occurred. Adult children and other loved ones can help keep elders safe by paying close attention to their state of well-being, as well as to the general atmosphere that exists in a nursing home when visiting as guests.
In 2017, at least 1,000 nursing homes were cited for failing to report or prevent sexual abuse and assault. If a family member of a Wyoming nursing patient suspects nursing home negligence, immediate steps can be taken to investigate. It can be helpful to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney regarding how to gather evidence and bring it to the court’s attention.