Elder care in nursing homes -- a cautionary tale (1 Viewer)

[Doug B]

Murder charge filed after nurses seen on camera laughing as veteran gasps for breath

A grand jury has indicted two nurses and an aide on numerous charges, including felony murder in one case, in the death of an elderly patient who slowly died in front of them. In November, the Brookhaven Police Department launched a criminal investigation into 89-year-old James Dempsey’s death after an 11Alive Investigation uncovered hidden camera video and court depositions of nursing home staff who responded to the World War II veteran.

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A lot of us are old enough to either (a) already have parents in assisted care facilities, or (b) will be planning elder care for loved ones before too long.

My wife's grandfather was in a home for the last 16 months of his life. My in-laws visited him twice a day almost every single day, while my wife and I dropped by about three times a week. I mention our visitation schedules as a lead-in to something I've heard from a lot of people who'd be in positions to know (e.g. nursing home staff; others with loved ones in a home; etc.) -- patients who are visited frequently tend to get better, more attentive care than other patients.

I have no idea about Ben Dempsey's family visits or anything like that. I am sure that something like what happened in the linked article can, statistically, happen to anyone given enough staff apathy and unprofessionalism. I thought the article would be a jumping-off point for FBGs to discuss experiences and concerns they've had regarding elder care.

 

[Godsbrother]

Thanks Posty

 

[Doug B]

Thanks Posty

Yeah, yeah ... I walked into this one.