When looking for a place for a loved one unable to care for themselves to spend their remaining days, few of us picture the kind of abuse and neglect that can occur. From nursing homes employing people with criminal records to being woefully understaffed, many of the cases of abuse and neglect are avoidable. The Henrico Citizen reports on dozens of Virginia nursing homes being fined for various violations.
Of 290 nursing homes located throughout the state, 72 have faced penalties resulting in more than $4.7 million in fines since 2014. This data is provided by Medicare, the federal health agency providing care for millions of elderly Americans.
Facilities with the most in fines included Montvue Nursing Home in Luray, which has more than $600,000 in fines. An Arlington nursing home, Cherrydale Health and Rehabilitation Center, with almost $240,000 in fines, and Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg, with more than $192,000 in fines.
These homes alone account for approximately 22% of the fines facing nursing homes in Virginia.
Many of the violations were minor, but some were worrisome.
116 nursing homes have been cited on 176 violations of failing to “1) hire only people with no legal history of abusing, neglecting or mistreating residents, or 2) report and investigate any acts or reports of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of residents.”
Another Richmond nursing home, Envoy of Westover Hills, has been cited for that violation seven times since July of 2015. This amounts to more citations than any other facility received during that time period.
Skilled nursing providers believe that these violations are often the result of failing to hire qualified individuals, being understaffed, and underpaying staff members.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of abuse or neglect while staying in a nursing facility? Let the law office of Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Feel free to contact us today.
