Lack of Staffing Regulations May Contribute to Rise of Nursing Home Abuse in Virginia | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

When the difficult decision is made for an elderly loved one to be placed in a nursing home, most people expect the nursing home to be adequately staffed so the residents are properly treated. Unfortunately, there is no law on the books making sure this belief is a reality. Surprisingly, Virginia has no mandated staff-to-resident ratios for nursing homes, according to newsleader.com.

 

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Reports of nursing home abuse are on the rise in Virginia and across the country. For example, there are allegations that nursing home residents at Envoy, a facility in Staunton, Virginia (VA) have been the victims of sexual abuse. Watch the news report below about the alleged nursing home abuse that occurred in Staunton:

NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

 

What can be done to combat the incidence of nursing home abuse? Well, Paul Lavigne, chief operating officer of Valley Program for Aging Services believes it is critical for family members to visit residents regularly, but unpredictably. Why? Because random visits will allow you to truly see how your loved ones are being treated at the nursing home. If you show up on a predictable schedule, some unscrupulous nursing home staff members may notice the pattern and make changes to ensure their abusive behavior isn’t detected.  

Helpful Info: 

If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, take a moment to read this in-depth legal report, which was written by an experienced Virginia nursing home abuse attorney.

Have Questions?

FAQs on nursing home abuse and neglect claims.

 

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