Oklahoma City Nursing Home Fires Employees after Allegations of Abuse
A nursing home in Oklahoma City has fired two employees who were accused of abusing a 96-year-old patient with dementia. Quail Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center fired the two female employees, ages 23 and 28, after they were both arrested by police on one complaint each of neglect by caretaker. One of the nursing assistants was caught on camera shoving latex gloves into the patient’s mouth as the other watched. The video also shows the worker lift the patient into bed and the push the side of her face to force her to lie down. The for-profit facility is owned by Westlake Nursing Home L.P. of Dallas, Texas, and has 92 residents in its care.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are becoming an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), there are many different types of abuse that occur at nursing homes. There are signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect that family members would be well advised to watch out for. The common symptoms of physical abuse include slap marks, bruises, burns, or blisters. Signs of neglect may include pressure ulcers, filthy appearance, malnutrition, lack of medical care, or dehydration. Seniors who suffer emotional abuse may become withdrawn or show other behavioral changes. A sudden change in the patient’s finances or accounts may be indicative of financial abuse.
Victims of nursing home neglect or abuse may be able to recover compensation from the negligent nursing home for their suffering and losses. Filing a civil suit is often the only legal recourse nursing home victims and their families have to hold the facility accountable. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the experienced nursing home abuse lawyers in Oklahoma City at the Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at (405) 705-5050 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.