Yes, Elder Abuse Happens...Even In Idaho
As 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 and New York. Although I certainly take no pleasure in any of these stories, I am "glad" these tragedies are not occurring in my back yard. Unfortunately, a story in today's Idaho Statesman concerning elder abuse is in my back yard. That the abuse did not occur in a nursing home or assisted living facility matters naught. It is a tragedy.
The story by the Idaho Statesman's Kristin Rodine is about the death of Verda Nicks, who died on December 26, 2009. Six weeks earlier, Ms. Nicks was found in a "garbage-and feces-filled home." She was found because of the caring actions of a friend, who had been unable to contact Ms. Nicks by telephone for several weeks. Although Ms. Nicks told authorities she was caring for herself, the Canyon County Prosecutor, John Bujak, has evidence that Ms. Nicks' twin sons, Danny and David Nicks were, in fact, providing care for their now-deceased mother. Mr. Bujak has charged the sons with felony abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, a crime which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine.
According to the article, and based on information provided by Ms. Nicks' sons, Ms. Nicks had been bedridden for about two years since breaking her hip. This was the second time Ms. Nicks had done so. The first time, she entered a nursing home. Apparently, again according to the sons, Ms. Nicks did not want to go back to the nursing home after she broke her hip the second time.
Under our system of justice, the sons are presumed innocent until proven guilty; this story is just beginning. Whether or not the sons are ever convicted, this story does provide a cautionary tale for those of us with elderly parents. If you parent is injured, make certain you can, in fact, provide the care that is necessary. If you cannot, help them, with input from qualified health care providers, find a facility that meets their needs. There is no shame in admitting you cannot provide the care y our loved one needs.
If the sons are indeed telling the truth when they say Ms. Nicks did not want to return to a nursing home after breaking her hip the second time, this fact also makes me wonder. What kind of experience did Ms. Nicks have during her first nursing home stay that resulted in this thinking? Unfortunately, at this point, we will likely never know.
