Commonplace Abuse?

I recently saw article about two separate incidents of abuse that made the news. The lack of punishment and accountability is shocking.

North Carolina

Recently, the N.C. DHHS cited University Place Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte. The agency cited a nursing home after live maggots were found in the wound of a dementia patient. The resident’s grandson initiated the complaint.

Justin Waddell became aware of his grandmother’s infested wound from a caregiver. A staffer sent him video that showed an open wound on his grandmother’s heel. Live maggots were crawling out of the wound. He immediately notified investigators.

Staff told inspectors that the resident was not taken to the hospital to have the wound cleaned. Records show NCDHHS cite University Place nursing home for 21 violations by state inspectors in the past.

Massachusetts

The Department of Public Health fined the owners of Fresh River Healthcare nursing home. They knowingly admitted a registered sex offender who then allegedly attempted to sexually assault a caregiver. The incident occurred on May 19. The facility admitted convicted rapist Miguel Lopez despite a warrant out for his arrest. He locked an employee in his room. He then tried to force her to perform oral sex. Staff found the nurse upset with her blouse partially ripped off and her bra exposed.

DPH investigators’ report includes other incidents when Lopez made sexual threats against staff. He was able to view pornography on a computer in a nurse’s office. In the weeks before the alleged attack, Lopez threatened violence. The fine was only $10,000 for failing to protect the safety of their residents and staff.

CT Mirror published a story about Lopez and the alleged assault. Police charged Lopez with attempted first-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault and first-degree unlawful restraint.

iCare spokesman David Skoczulek said they have appealed the $10,000 fine. He admitted that the facility was aware Lopez was a registered sex offender but that the law does not require them to inform the state police if an out-of-state sex offender is admitted to one of its facilities.