Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
As a law firm who specializes in the abuse and neglect of seniors, it’s important to stay informed about cases involving elder abuse. Unfortunately, these cases occur far too often, and can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Neglect, in particular, is a type of elder abuse that can be difficult to detect, but can have devastating consequences.
Recently, a registered nurse who worked at a Riverside assisted living facility was charged with abuse by neglect of a 69-year-old woman who died after she developed gangrene. Emily Jones, 40, of Riverside, has pleaded not guilty to elder abuse that caused great bodily injury and remains free on $50,000 bail.
According to prosecutors, Jones was a case manager for a resident at Brookdale Senior Living in 2017 when she failed to properly assess an ulcer on the woman’s right heel. As a result, a Plan of Care was never developed, and the ulcer worsened into a wound that required the resident to undergo emergency surgery to her right foot, which had become septic and gangrenous. Jones also failed to notify a doctor and the woman’s family that her health was declining as a result of the lack of care, and she eventually died.
This case highlights the importance of proper care and attention for vulnerable populations, such as assisted living residents. Elder abuse does not always come in the form of a physical attack, as this case shows. It can result from utter neglect and lack of proper care, which can have serious and even deadly consequences.
As Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in his office’s statement, “Assisted living residents are a vulnerable population all too often victimized by acts of neglect and improper care.” It’s important for those who work in assisted living facilities to take their responsibilities seriously, and to provide the necessary care and attention to their residents.
At Brookdale Senior Living, where Jones worked, the safety and wellbeing of residents is taken seriously, according to a statement from the company. However, the statement also noted that the company does not have a record of employing anyone with Jones’ name and date of birth, including at its former Brookdale Riverside location.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect, it’s important to seek legal advice. Walton Law Firm specializes in nursing home neglect cases and can help you understand your options and take action to protect yourself or your loved one. Don’t hesitate to call us for help.
