It is a well-known fact that nursing home neglect and abuse is one of the biggest problems facing seniors in America today. In a recent case, a nursing home in Los Altos, California, was fined $100,000 for alleged negligence that resulted in the death of an 85-year-old resident. According to CBS News report, a California Department of Public Health investigation determined that the staff at Pilgrim Haven Health Facility "failed to provide adequate supervision and assistance to a resident who had a history of failing."

Officials say the elderly man, who was suffering from dementia, called out for help after he fell in December. He told a nursing assistant that he did not hit his head. Hours after the fall, he became ill and unresponsive. He was then transferred to a hospital where he died the next day. Head injuries were ruled as the cause of death in his case.

My heart goes out to the family of this elderly man who believed that he would get proper care and attention in this nursing home. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Increasing Incidence of Neglect

In this particular case, the nursing home received the highest possible fine or an AA citation, which is handed out for the most serious types of violations. Almost always, these citations are issued in cases where the nursing home's actions directly cause serious personal injuries or death.

According to a 2008 Government Accountability Office (GAO) 1,285 nursing homes were cited in 2007 for "actual harm or immediate jeopardy" to residents. Based on GAO's statistics, California leads all other states, by far, in the number of citations. Understaffing and lack of training are the most common factors linked to nursing home neglect.

Putting Profits Ahead of People

According to a report by the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), turnover rates in nursing homes among nursing assistants in 2002 was over 80 percent in 19 states and 100 percent in 10 states. The same report also cites a 2005 analysis of nursing home staffing data, which shows that the proportion of care provided by registered nurses is on the decline despite increases in Medicare funding specifically set aside for nursing.

A number of these tragedies occur because nursing homes put profit ahead of the people they are supposed to serve. Families of victims who have been harmed by nursing home neglect or abuse would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that the wrongdoers are held accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for their irreparable loss.

Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? What are some serious concerns you have about their well-being and care?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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