More and more stories are coming out about nursing home neglect and it makes families of loved ones fearful of leaving them in the care of nursing home staff. Diligent research and active participation in their loved ones care will hopefully alleviate any doubts, but the system is not full proof. One New York family is living the nightmare of realizing that their family member was not cared for properly, and four members of the nursing home staff are currently on trial for their substandard care.

The case brings to light the treatment that a 52-year-old multiple sclerosis patient received in 2009 at a nursing home. This particular patient suffers from a disease that has incapacitated her to where she can no longer move or communicate. She had to be treated for incontinence and bed sores and was neglected. The suit alleges that the staff had the duty to provide care for a person who couldn't do anything for herself or ask for help. The staff should have been anticipating her needs.

The defendants in the case feel that they did nothing wrong from a care standpoint. Their view is that the problems at the nursing home were financial in nature and that the home was not managed well. Each of the defendants is now facing felony and misdemeanor charges as well as violation of health laws.

In addition to these four on trial, nine nurses and aides were charged in an indictment in March 2010 for neglecting this same patient during a six week period in March and April 2009. They have all plead guilty, have lost their jobs and licenses to practice, and have been put on probation.

The victim in this case was removed from the nursing home following the report of abuse and the nursing home she was at, has been renamed and is under new management.

Source: Timesunion.com, "Arguments begin in patient-care trial," Bob Gardinier, Feb. 9, 2012