By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/Neglect,Crime and Punishment,Nursing Home Resident SafetyAt Kormanik Hallam & Sneed, LLP, we see our fair share, which is to say, too many, cases of overmedication of assist living and nursing home residents. Not too long ago, an article in the Chicago Tribune was noteworthy because of the conclusion of the medical examiner, who ruled the resident’s death a “homicide.” According to… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/Neglect,Family Resources,Nursing Home Abuse,Nursing Home Resident SafetyRecently, National Public Radio (NPR) has done a series of stories on the problem of overmedication of nursing home residents and what some facilities are doing right in this area. I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you these stories, give you the links to the themand the audio of the original stories… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/Neglect,Nursing Home Abuse,Resident and Family ResourcesIn a recent San Diego Union Tribune article, Deborah Schoch noted California has just raised the fine the state can impose for violations which cause the death of an assisted living facility resident 100-fold. Sounds GREAT…doesn’t it? Well, dig a little deeper and you’ll find although it is a remarkable increase…the reason is that the fines… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/NeglectA recent article by Wes Venteicher in the Chicago Tribune caught my eye. The story is about some legislation in Illinois, which, if enacted, would allow cameras or audio recording devices in nursing home resident’s rooms, if the resident consents and the cost is covered. The legislation would also allow the recordings to be used in… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/NeglectThe Lexington Herald Leader (Kentucky) is reporting on a proposed law which would require the coroner whenever a resident passes away. The thought behind the law is pretty simple: If a coroner is called, it is much more likely deaths which result from abuse and neglect will be discovered and appropriately prosecuted. Seems to make… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/NeglectIn an alarming article in the Seattle Times, Michael J. Berens reported that "over the past five years, at least 357 of the adult family homes in [Washington] have concealed cases of abuse or neglect of their residents. Many of those cases involved serious injury or death." Mr. Berens’ report tells the story of Audrey Hopkins,… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/Neglect,Crime and PunishmentBack in January 2010, I wrote about the tragic death of Verda Nicks. Recall, Ms. Nicks was found because of the actions of a friend who was unable to get hold of Ms. Nicks. Unfortunately, Ms. Nicks was found emaciated and immobile on a urine-soaked bed in a house filled with feces, files and an… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/Neglect,Family Resources,Nursing Home Resident SafetyAs a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility, there are many things you rely upon the facility to help you with. One of the most important, perhaps, is the administration of prescription or over-the-counter medications. If the facility gives you the wrong medication, the consequences can be dire, even fatal. In an… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/NeglectIn a previous post entitled "Yes, Elder Abuse Happens…Even In Idaho," I relayed the story of Verda Nicks and her untimely and tragic death. Ms. Nicks’ twin sons, age 55, are charged with felonies alleging they subjected Ms. Nicks to abuse and neglect. The day after my post, the Idaho AARP issued a press release letting… Continue Reading
By John R Kormanik on Posted in Abuse/NeglectAs part of my work on behalf of nursing home and assisted living facility residents, and in part because of my work on this blog, I am constantly updated on news stories concerning elder, nursing home and assisted living facility abuse. Typically, the stories I read are from such far flung regions as Illinois, Florida… Continue Reading