When it comes to caring for our elder family members, often people are not in a position to do it for themselves. They often must make the decision to place them in a care facility. When this decision is made, it is important to research the history of the facility and the care it offers.
In Herkimer, New York, two employees recently pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an investigation into a possible cover-up at a nursing home. The state Attorney General’s office had been investigating charges of covering up abuse and neglect at the nursing home.
The owner of the facility, Gerald “Jerry” Wood III, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted eavesdropping. The charges had been reduced from willful violations of health laws, eavesdropping, and one count of fifth-degree conspiracy. The sentence he received was three years of probation. A second owner, Justin Wood, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree conspiracy as well.
Earlier this year, MVNH Associates, LLC, which operates Mohawk Valley Health Care Center, and several associates were part of an investigation looking into potential cases of abuse and neglect. The investigation stemmed from two incidents that took place in 2013.
The incidents, which included a “serious medical error” which went unnoticed for several days and failing to adequately supervise a patient with dementia who was apparently engaging in unlawful sexual conduct towards another patient.
Several others have been charged in the investigation. The director of nursing was charged with more than 40 counts and recently pleaded guilty to two felony counts of tampering with evidence.
If someone you love has been the victim of abuse or neglect while in the care of a nursing facility, contact the offices of Schenk Smith for a consultation today.
