Nursing home negligence: The case that highlights the need for better care standards

The safety and well-being of elderly loved ones in assisted living facilities and nursing homes are major concerns for American families navigating care options. With so many facilities across the U.S., how can families be sure their parents or grandparents are receiving the quality care they deserve? These homes are meant to provide essential support, from help with daily activities to medical supervision, ensuring seniors live with dignity and comfort.

However, systemic issues such as neglect, understaffing, and mismanagement have raised alarming questions about the reliability of care in many facilities. The recent case of Bradford Williams, an elderly man who died outside a Kansas City-area nursing home, highlights the devastating consequences of inadequate oversight.

What warning signs should families look for when choosing a care facility? What measures are in place to hold these facilities accountable and prevent further tragedies? In this article, the importance of choosing reputable facilities and the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable individuals will be discussed.

The importance of assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities provide essential support for older adults who need help with daily activities but do not require constant medical care. These facilities bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes, offering residents a combination of personal assistance and independence.

Services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and social activities create an environment that promotes well-being while preserving autonomy. Assisted living facilities also provide emergency response systems and 24-hour assistance to ensure residents’ safety.

Deciding whether assisted living is the right choice requires evaluating an individual’s ability to manage daily tasks, maintain social engagement, and ensure personal safety. Difficulty with mobility, frequent falls, or challenges in preparing meals and taking medication indicate that assisted living may be beneficial.

Selecting a reputable facility is crucial, as oversight and compliance with health and safety regulations play a direct role in the quality of care provided. Regular inspections and licensing requirements help maintain high standards and protect residents from neglect or abuse.

Transitioning to assisted living can be emotionally difficult for seniors and their families. Feelings of loss and uncertainty are common, making emotional support from loved ones essential.

Families should remain involved in the decision-making process, visit potential facilities, and speak with staff and residents to ensure a good fit. By choosing a facility that values community, safety, and proper care, seniors can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the assistance they need.

Nursing homes and the need for stringent compliance

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide round-the-clock medical supervision and assistance for individuals with complex health conditions. Unlike assisted living, nursing homes employ licensed medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, who deliver continuous care. These facilities serve as a long-term solution for residents with chronic illnesses or as a temporary recovery setting for those rehabilitating after surgery or hospitalization.

Choosing the right nursing home involves careful consideration of medical needs, staffing levels, facility cleanliness, and regulatory compliance. While nursing homes are meant to provide high-quality medical care, some facilities fail to meet standards, leading to cases of neglect and mistreatment. Regulatory agencies conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance, but inadequate staffing and mismanagement can still pose risks to residents.

The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) of 1987, part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), sets federal standards for nursing home care, requiring facilities to provide services that ensure residents’ physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. It mandates proper staffing, individualized care plans, and the protection of residents’ rights, helping to prevent abuse and neglect.

Myths surrounding nursing homes, such as the belief that they are exclusively for abandoned individuals or that residents never leave, can contribute to hesitation in seeking necessary care. However, a well-operated nursing home can provide critical medical support while maintaining a dignified and engaging environment for residents. Families should conduct thorough research, visit potential facilities, and review inspection reports to ensure their loved ones receive proper care.

Bradford Williams: A nursing home tragedy

The importance of nursing home compliance was brought into sharp focus with the case of 79-year-old Bradford Williams, who was found dead outside Liberty Health and Wellness nursing home in Liberty, Missouri. Williams, who had impaired vision and partial paralysis, was left unattended in the facility’s courtyard for over four hours on a hot August day in 2022.

When staff finally discovered him, he was lying face down in tall grass with cuts, bruises, and insects crawling over his body. Shockingly, instead of calling 911 or attempting resuscitation, the nursing home contacted a funeral home and attempted to clean Williams’ body with ice water.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Williams’ family highlights allegations of neglect and mismanagement at Liberty Health and Wellness. Investigations revealed that the facility had a long history of violations, with 28 infractions cited in its most recent inspection—far exceeding the average for nursing homes.

Complaints included residents going weeks without showers, medication not being delivered, and staff shortages leaving residents waiting hours for assistance. The facility was placed on the ‘Special Focus Facilities’ list, meaning it was at risk of losing federal funding unless improvements were made.

A former nurse at the facility, Marissa Chrisco, corroborated the claims of neglect, describing the severe understaffing and lack of resources that contributed to poor patient care. Chrisco, who worked at the facility until November, stated that employees were overwhelmed, and basic care needs were often neglected.

Staffing was terrible, absolutely terrible,

Marissa Chrisco, former nurse at Liberty Health and Wellness

She is also pursuing legal action against the facility after discovering it lacked workers’ compensation insurance, a violation of Missouri law. Despite repeated interventions from regulators, ongoing problems continue to threaten the safety and well-being of residents.

Addressing systemic issues in nursing homes

At the time of Williams’ death, Liberty Health and Wellness was operated by Sam Goldner and Goldner Capital Management, a company that has been linked to multiple wrongful death lawsuits in Missouri. Goldner, who previously owned 15 nursing homes in the state, has been accused of prioritizing profits over patient care by cutting staff and reducing essential services.

Several lawsuits against his facilities have been settled out of court, while others remain ongoing. Goldner was removed from one case after plaintiffs were unable to serve him legal documents due to his absence from his registered address in New York.

Since then, Liberty Health and Wellness has come under new ownership by Vertical Health Services, a company that claims to be making improvements. The number of reported violations has dropped from 27 to 17, but the facility remains classified as troubled in both state and federal databases.

While Goldner is no longer operating nursing homes in Missouri, concerns about patient safety persist, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory oversight and enforcement. Liberty Health and Wellness will also close permanently after losing its Medicare and Medicaid funding due to ongoing compliance failures.

Preventing nursing home negligence

The case of Bradford Williams serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of nursing home negligence. Families must remain vigilant in monitoring the care of their loved ones and advocating for necessary improvements.

Proper staffing levels, compliance with health regulations, and accountability from facility operators are essential in preventing further tragedies. Ensuring that nursing homes and assisted living facilities uphold high standards is not just a legal requirement—it is a moral obligation to protect the dignity and well-being of vulnerable individuals.