A California nursing home is under investigation after three of its residents were given liquid dishwashing soap to drink. The residents had been told that the liquid was juice.
The dishwashing soap contained toxic chemicals known to be harmful to human health, and all three victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment. At the last update, two of the victims remain hospitalized. The third victim—a 93-year-old woman—was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The nursing home claims that the mix-up between the juice and dishwashing soap was unintentional, and has since suspended the involved employees while they carry out an internal investigation. Local detectives are also conducting a joint investigation with the California Department of Social Services Ombudsman.
Does This Show an Undercurrent of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes?
While it remains unclear whether the act of serving dishwashing soap to residents was an accident or intentional, nursing home residents should never be subjected to this level of neglect or abuse. Every nursing home facility must maintain rigorous safety standards for the well-being of all residents. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
Researchers have determined that elderly individuals who reside in long-term residential facilities (such as nursing homes) face particularly high rates of abuse and neglect. The elderly are among some of the most vulnerable members of our society, with many suffering from both limited physical ability and poor cognitive functioning related to chronic diseases. Being partly or wholly dependent on a caregiver for daily tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, bathing, eating, drinking, and more can also leave a resident vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
What Should You Do If a Nursing Home Resident Faces Mistreatment?
If your loved one has been neglected, mistreated, or purposely harmed by nursing home staff, contact Thomas Law Offices today to discuss what legal options are at your disposal. Although we cannot say with any certainty what might be appropriate for your situation without first meeting and discussing your case, we do know that nursing home abuse lawsuits are often an effective way to secure compensation for your loved one while also holding the nursing home responsible for its actions.
Thomas Law Offices offers free consultations to nursing home abuse victims and their families, so do not delay—contact us today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.
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