Investigation Reveals Massive Neglect and Abuse at Oklahoma Nursing Home
An investigation by a local TV station revealed massive neglect and abuse at an Oklahoma nursing home. The investigation also revealed that, despite many reported cases of abuse and neglect, the state had not closed the nursing home because it lacks the power to do so.
The TV station's investigation began with reports from staff members that the facility was dirty and poorly-maintained. The station then investigated state records of reported incidents at the nursing home and found instances of physical abuse, including a resident having his hand intentionally slammed in a door, isolation of residents, staff stealing pain medication, and staff leaving residents unattended to drink in the parking lot.
The station also discovered that, despite these reports, the facility has not been shut down because none of the five agencies in Oklahoma that oversee nursing homes have the ability to actually shut down a facility. This illustrates the importance of concerned staff and family members detecting and reporting abuse and taking legal action when necessary. This is often the only way things will change in nursing homes.
