It is a well-known fact that senior citizens are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, whether they are trying to stay cool in summer or remain warm in winter. Among many other responsibilities, nursing homes in New Jersey must keep a close eye on temperatures, as even a slight spike or drop may have fatal consequences. If your senior has been exposed to extreme temperatures at a New Jersey home, you may have the ability to take legal action and pursue compensation for any injuries.
Camden Nursing Home Allows Temperatures to Reach 92 Degrees
On July 28, it was reported that a Camden nursing home had allowed temperatures in the rooms of some patients to reach 92 degrees. This is more than 10 degrees higher than standard regulations allow. The issue was a failed air conditioning unit, and New Jersey regulators have been forced to step in and prevent the nursing home from accepting any new patients until this issue is resolved. A further investigation found that the nursing home had committed another regulatory violation, as they failed to have a properly licensed administrator.
The investigation determined that the air conditioner had been non-functional for a total of nine days on the third floor of the facility. The inspectors concluded that the nursing home seemed to have no plan whatsoever to fix the air conditioner, even when outdoor temperatures spiked to 89 degrees. The report concluded that the vast majority of residents at the nursing home were at risk for adverse consequences related to prolonged heat exposure.
Due to these issues, the nursing home has been banned from accepting any new patients. They are now required to record the temperature of each patient’s room with each shift. This data will be sent directly to state officials. This particular nursing home is no stranger to regulatory violations, having been fined over $300,000 earlier in the year for allowing violence to occur between two patient roommates without making any attempt to separate them.
Violence seems to be increasingly common in New Jersey nursing homes. On July 15, it was reported that two patients in a Bergen County nursing home had died from a shooting incident. While police remained tight-lipped about the shooting, the general consensus is that this was a murder-suicide. It seems that both victims were married, and the wife was terminally ill. The husband may have shot the wife before turning the gun on himself. The nursing home promised to engage in tighter security policies in the future.
Where Can I Find an Elder Abuse Attorney in New Jersey?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced elder abuse attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous seniors and their families hold negligent nursing homes accountable for a range of negligence. The recent stories from nursing homes in New Jersey suggest that negligence is common in these facilities – and that further action must be taken to ensure the safety of our seniors. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.