This nursing home abuse case rocked the investigators who handled it. Chemical restraints killed three residents.
This is a case that actually happened in California in 2003, and it was heinous; the investigators were completely appalled. It took place at the Kern Valley Nursing Home and involved the director of nursing, who chemically restrained anyone who complained or annoyed her.
"She used extremely powerful anti-psychotic drugs and subsequently killed three of the Home's residents. Unnecessary anti-psychotics kill approximately 15,000 nursing home patients each year," indicated Deborah Barron, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer of the Barron Law Office in California.
Patricia Payson's (names have been changed to protect the victims) mom was 97 years old and was an ongoing concern. One day she suddenly ran out of energy and Payson could not wake her or get any response from her. "Concerned, she raised the alarm with the Home and the director. No one told Payson her mom had been given drugs (anti-seizure meds) that eventually killed her," Barron explained.
Horror stories abounded in this Home about patients, who were dangerously and critically thin, badly dehydrated and left strapped to chairs drooling; all for seemingly minor infractions. The abuse did not stop there, and many were witness to some of the seniors being held down and given meds against their will. It turned out the nursing director had a prior record for this very kind of behavior in another nearby nursing home.
"This case may see the defendants spend up to eleven years in prison. It may also result in substantial awards based on the despicable behavior of those involved — something referred to as punitive damages. While this case may seem to be really off the wall, unfortunately, over-drugging is far more common than we would like to think," added Barron, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer of the Barron Law Office in California.
For instance, there are current estimates that one in four patients in nursing homes is given anti-psychotics to shut them up and make them easier to handle, and that this type of restraint is replacing the physical restraints used in the past. Plain and simple, using drugs/chemicals to restrain people is illegal. "This apparently does not stop the practice being widely used across the state. In fact, the doctor charged in this case is stating that as part of his defense," said Barron.
For anyone who suspects their loved one is being chemically restrained, do not wait or hesitate to contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer immediately. This kind of abuse must be dealt with quickly and expeditiously.
