Quality of Care: A Case of Life and Death

By A. Frank Johns JD, LLM, CELA.

For many caretakers of the elderly who require long term care, one of the most terrifying decisions is where to seek residential placement.  Which facility will best serve their elderly friend or relative’s needs? When placing a loved one in a long term care facility, no one wants to worry about their loved one being subjected to abuse, neglect, or worse.  In the worst of cases, the elderly resident may even be vulnerable to murder.

Braquette Wykina Walton, an employee of a Rock Hill assisted living home, was charged Thursday with murdering an elderly resident after the resident accused her of stealing her checks, totaling over $1,200.  The employee attempted to conceal the murder by making it look like a fall, but the coroner's office did not believe that the resident's injuries were consistent with that of a fall. In this case, the assisted living facility performed a criminal background check before hiring Walton and found that she had no serious criminal history. However, assisted living facilities and nursing homes often do not perform proper background checks on their employees, leaving many unsuspecting elderly residents vulnerable to incidents like this. 

Before you seek residence for a loved one at any assisted living facility or nursing home, you should speak with someone who has experience working with that facility and can vouch for its reputation.  One relatively easy way to get an idea of a facility’s level of care is to read reviews of the facility, which can often be found online. Try speaking with current residents in order to determine the quality of life your loved one will experience while there.

The attorneys at Booth Harrington and Johns of NC, PLLC have years of experience working with long term care facilities in North Carolina and, as your attorneys, will serve to give you unbiased and accurate advice when choosing a place for your elderly loved one. If you believe someone you know may have been the victim of abuse or neglect, we also have years of experience in representing clients with claims against assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and individuals.  Give our office a call toll-free at (877) 503-5337 to speak with one of our staff about your needs.

Comments

[Background Check]

It is important for care facilities that they conduct background check before they hire people that will do the service in caring especially for the elders. They should conduct exams on their behavior especially their patience.

[Retirement Home Seattle]

You mention truth issue on that stuff. I think you described it in a professional way. I hope you go further in this way, with your excellent way of writing articles.