Recent news reports of an investigation of criminal elderly abuse at St. John’s Place, a Missouri nursing home, have brought forth another family’s allegations that their elderly relative was denied timely medical care. The original report involved an 82-year-old woman who was discovered with bruises and serious cuts.
After seeing the report on local TV, the daughter-in-law of a former resident at the nursing home felt compelled to inform KMOV-TV about her suspicions of the substandard care her mother-in-law received at the same facility. The 68-year-old woman was at that time hospitalized with an elbow fracture and separated shoulder.
The family had to insist on an ambulance to bring her to a local ER, and suspects she may have fallen but the staff failed to properly assess her injuries. They have since cleaned out the woman’s room.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is the state agency charged with investigating claims abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable individuals 60 and older, as well as mistreatment of people with disabilities who are between 18 and 59 years old. Whether these individuals live in the community or in a long-term care facility, the state must intervene to protect those who are unable to meet their basic human needs.
Evidence of nursing home abuse and neglect comes in many forms, from bed sores or signs of malnutrition or dehydration, to concerns about medication errors or failure to properly monitor a resident’s medical condition. While some medical and social service professionals are legally required to report abuse to the DHSS, family members who notice signs of abuse can learn about state sanctions as well as the potential for filing a civil lawsuit by sharing their concerns with a Missouri elder abuse lawyer.
Source: KMOV News 4, “Another family alleges relative was victim of abuse at St. Louis County nursing home,” Matt Sczesny