4 New Jersey Nursing Home Employees Arrested for Abusing Residents
The Vulnerability of Nursing Home Residents in NJ
Who do you picture when you think of the most vulnerable and dependent New Jersey residents? If you're anything like the average American, then you likely thought about young children. Few consider how the elderly population is just as dependent and vulnerable. Sadly, they are often exploited by the people who are supposed to be caring for them in residential homes.
The New Jersey Office of Insurance Fraud, who handles cases of elderly financial abuse, wants to raise awareness about this growing issue. Recently, the office announced that charges were filed against four different nurse aides who are all accused of abusing elderly residents. Get the full story below.
Four NJ Nurse Aides Facing Criminal Charges
Four NJ Aides are now being charged after three separate incidents of elder abuse. Here's the lineup of suspects:
- Martha Ruiz
- Kendall Crouch
- Karissa-Anne Frannicola
- Christine Sanford
The first two aides are accused of atrociously abusing a disabled man they were caring for. It appears that they physically slapped a patient, physically restrained them to a bed and forced a towel that was contaminated with urine into his face. It's unclear whether the nurses believed this was an acceptable way of dealing with a bathroom accident or whether they were attempting to shame him on purpose. Not only is this horrible incident an example of physical elderly abuse, but it also displays the emotional abuse so many patients feel. Both suspects connected with the crime are facing numerous charges including the neglect of a disabled person.
Another case described how an aide somehow gained power of attorney over one of her patients. Over time, she began taking money from the victim's estate. Ultimately, she amassed over $20,000 as a result of her schemes. Now, she's facing theft charges. The third incident involved a nurse who obtained falsified certification papers by crafting a fake identity. She obtained employment at a residential facility, but eventually, her lies caught up with her. When she lost her license, she simply faked a new identity and gained employment at a different facility.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse?
Do you have a loved one who is currently in a nursing home? If so, then you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. Here are a few important warning signs of nursing home abuse to watch for:
• Rapid decline in mental functioning
• Emotional distress
• Increased isolation
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers
• Unexpected hospitalization or injuries
• Bruises or injuries that aren't fully explained by staff
• Apparent fear of nursing home staff
• Severe weight loss
Have you or a loved one suffered as a result of nursing home abuse? You have a right to seek financial compensation from the negligent party in civil court. Reach out to our attorneys now for more information about how we can help you.
Contact an Edison Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, nursing home staff needs to ensure that patients are safe and secure at all times. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at Lombardi & Lombardi represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Edison, Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant. Call 732-906-1500 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
