Former Nursing Home Worker Convicted of Patient Abuse

Attorney General Beau Biden of Delaware announced on Monday, October 21^st, that his office had secured the conviction of a Sussex County nurse who was charged with patient abuse at a Seaford nursing home.

“We have a special obligation to look out for the most vulnerable members of our community, including residents of nursing homes and patients in healthcare facilities who often can’t speak up and speak out,” Biden said.  “That’s why we use our broad authority under state and federal law to hold individuals who mistreat them accountable for their crimes.”

At the end of February this year, the Seaford Police Department forwarded a report of patient abuse at the nursing home to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which opened an investigation into the Methodist Manor House. The investigation revealed that, on February 24^th, Anne Nunemann, who at the time worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the facility, placed a large trash bag over the head of an 89-year-old resident, who suffered from dementia, while the resident was sitting in her wheelchair. The victim did not sustain physical injury, but as a result of the patient abuse, Nunemann was terminated from her position at the nursing home.

On May 3^rd, Nunemann was arrested as a result of the investigation, and charged with one count each of patient abuse, and mistreatment of impaired adult. On October 15^th, the jury convicted Nunemann on both counts, and the judge imposed a sentence of 6 months of intensive probation, during which time she was not allowed to work in a facility that provides care for the elderly. Nunemann will also be placed on Delaware’s Adult Abuse Registry, which is maintained by the Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection.

Delaware officials are also notifying the US Department of Health and Social Services, which, under federal law, can bar Nunemann from working in any patient care or nursing facility that receives federal money from any federal healthcare program for up to 5 years.

Reporting Patient Abuse and Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina

South Carolina’s Adult Protective Services is tasked with investigating complaints against nursing homes for elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Following investigation, Adult Protection Services is then responsible for seeking remedy, preventing recurrence of mistreatment and providing appropriate medical services for the individual.

In certain situations adult protective services may be able to meet the needs of a nursing home resident who has faced serious patient abuse.

If Adult Protective Serivces concludes that an allegation of mistreatment, neglect, or patient abuse is well-founded, it will respond by offering the victim appropriate services, such as medical assistance, counseling, special transportation, assistance with money management, or placement in a different residential setting.

In South Carolina, Adult Protective Services will secure and coordinate existing services (mental health etc.), arrange for living quarters, obtain financial benefits to which a vulnerable adult is entitled, and secure medical services, supplies, and legal services.

Report online: Visit the Adult Protective Services page. In the top right column, you’ll find a drop down menu to make a report.

Call to report suspected mistreatment in:

• Private or foster homes: 803-898-7318
• Richland county long-term care facilities: 803-734-9900
• Long-term care facilities outside Richland County: 800-868-9095

Find resources and learn more: Visit South Carolina’s office of aging Ombudsman site. The site provides reports and access to records on long-term care facilities as well as the residents’ Bill of Rights.

The Strom Law Firm Represents Victims of Patient Abuse

If your loved one has faced patient abuse at the hands of health care workers or a nursing home, you do not have to suffer in silence. Contact the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help. 803.252.4800.