A local nursing home in Clintonville is under state and federal investigation after reports of "mistreatment, neglect and abuse," according to the New Haven Independent. Nursing home abuse is a serious allegation in Connecticut and throughout the country. Law enforcement and state regulators take these accusations seriously because nursing home abuse is often under-reported and affects the most vulnerable Americans, many of whom are unable to voice the abuse they are experiencing.
At Clintonville Manor, a home near North Haven, allegations of abuse and mistreatment range from name-calling of residents to issues with poor care, lack of meals and restricted resident access to personal bank accounts. While Clintonville Manor responded to the complaint filed with the state by firing the administrator and assistant administrator, this is not the first instance of reported abuse and care deficiencies at the home. Clintonville Manor was cited by the state and fined $2,500 in December 2009, based on the New Haven Independent report.
According to the official Medicare website, the Clintonville nursing home has been the subject of heightened scrutiny, designated as a Special Focus Facility (SFF), because of the numerous reports of "poor quality of care." The SFF status means that the nursing home will receive more frequent inspections and close monitoring of the care at the 112 bed home.
Victims of Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Abuse Have Rights
Nursing home and elder abuse can take many forms. The abuse can be financial exploitation, physical abuse, mistreatment or withholding of basic needs. Nursing homes that provide negligent care can be held responsible for the injuries they cause. The following are all examples of nursing home abuse:
- Preventable falls in the nursing home
- Bed sores, preventable infections and limited contact with others
- Prescription errors and mistakes in treatment or medication dosage
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Poor hygiene or a lack of opportunity to bathe
- Physical abuse or sexual abuse, including slapping, hitting and pushing
- Wrongful death, as a result of injuries sustained at the home
Nursing home abuse should be reported to the state by submitting a complaint to the Long Term Care Ombudsman or by contacting the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
Families and victims can also take legal action against the nursing home or assisted care facility by filing a lawsuit. A suit against the at-fault nursing home can allow the victim to obtain compensation for the inexcusable injuries. Filing a nursing home abuse suit against the nursing home may also prevent others from suffering from the same abuse in the future.
After nursing home abuse, contact a Connecticut lawyer who can explain victims' rights. A knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney can help end the abuse and take action against the at-fault party.
