When placing a loved one in a nursing facility in Alabama, you likely go the distance to make sure it’s safe and accredited. When nursing home neglect takes place, it can’t be ignored, and the facility should be made to answer for the crimes it has committed. In this recent case that you might have heard about, an unlicensed care home has been accused of abuse.
The initial Feb. 18 report claims that two assisted-living facilities are in a heap of trouble after they were accused of violating residents’ personal rights and placing them in unsanitary conditions. According to the story, the residents in the two facilities have only until Feb. 19 to find a new place to live, because the LA City Attorney in California has cracked down on unlicensed homes. In this case, the operators face civil enforcement actions because they were running unlicensed homes that allegedly jeopardized the safety of mentally and physically disabled patients.
The Assistant LA City Attorney claims that in one of the homes, there was only one toilet and shower for over 50 people. There was allegedly severe overcrowding and the home was filthy. The facilities, the Agape Mission House and Agape Home Church, have allegedly broken health regulations and rules before. The LA City Attorney claimed that the residents were living in substandard conditions and could be subjected to punishments if they didn’t go to religious services offered each day at the homes. Some of the unusual punishments included having access to the kitchen blocked or having benefits cards confiscated, according to the news.
One resident claims that he was punished and made to sit by a tree for hours. He said that after he went to speak to the pastor, his punishment was reduced to nothing. Despite this, he, as well as some other residents, say that they were happy with the home, because there was a bed, food, and care. Although some residents have positive things to say, the city Attorney’s office isn’t letting the homes off the hook. Operators may be forced to pay penalties of $2,500 or more, up to $7,500, for each act that threatened the well-being of the residents.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Unlicensed Care Home Accused of Abuse” Jason Kandel, Ted Chen, and Beverly White, Jan. 29, 2014
