A caregiver at a long term facility in Maryland was sentenced to jail time for slapping a 95 year old resident repeatedly during her meal. Here is the story: http://www.fox13news.com/news/caregiver-sentenced-to-year-in-prison-for-abusing-95-year-old-woman
Too often, our loved ones cannot speak for themselves when something bad has been done to them. If you suspect your loved one has been abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility, demand that the facility investigates your concerns. Unexplained bruising may be the result of an innocent event, or it may be a consequence of abuse. The facility is required to investigated these injuries. If the administrator, after investigating your concerns, tells you that the caregivers did nothing wrong to cause the bruising, demand the incident report which captures the injury. This report should tell you who was questioned, and what they said. You have the right to speak to these people as well to find out what happened. If the administrator refuses to provide the incident report to you, then you may want to report the injuries to the appropriate agency. Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) are also required to investigate these injuries. Don’t give up until you are satisfied with the explanation. Your loved one is depending upon you. Your vigilance may also prevent future abuse to other residents.