COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA – Prosecutors in Virginia are continuing to develop their case involving alleged abuse at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, reports WTVR.
The matter originated in October 2024, when police were notified of a potential elder abuse case involving a 74-year-old woman who was previously a patient at the facility. The woman was taken to a hospital after being discharged and died a few weeks later due to what authorities said was sepsis caused by inadequate care she received at the nursing home. She reportedly suffered from cerebral palsy and diabetes prior to her death.
Investigators from the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Colonial Heights Police Department, and the Virginia Department of Health opened an investigation into the woman’s death.
18 people associated with the home were subsequently arrested in December on charges including elder abuse, neglect and falsifying records. 13 defendants appeared in court March 26 in connection with the case, including nursing employees, a medical director, and the facility administrator.
One defendant pleaded guilty to falsifying patient records while another had charges dismissed. But the cases of seven other defendants were postponed, including the administrator, a nurse manager and two nurses who face felony abuse and neglect charges.
Colonial Heights Commonwealth’s Attorney Gray Collins said his office is continuing to gather documents and evidence in the case. “There’s a lot more work to go,” Collins told WRIC. “That’s why we continued the felony cases today…[they] were all continued, so we could get more information. We have more victims that have been identified, and we want to make sure we do the right thing.”
Three other defendants had their charges temporarily dropped while prosecutors weigh more serious charges against them.
“The charges that we’re looking to bring back are abuse and neglect which are a different type of charge with more victims than just this one, so we didn’t want to go forward on a lesser charge. We wanted to get all the information and bring back the correct charges,” Collins said.
He added that the investigation has identified at least four additional alleged victims at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and urged the community to contact police if they believe their loved ones have been affected at the facility.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse happens when caregivers harm or neglect residents in long-term care facilities, and unfortunately it is all too common across the country. Abuse comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial mistreatment, as well as neglect and abandonment.
-Physical abuse was the most common type (38% of complaints) in 2022 nursing home abuse cases.
-Neglect accounted for 24%, psychological abuse 16%, financial exploitation 14%, and sexual abuse 8% of reported cases.
-A national survey revealed that over 64% of elder abuse victims are women.
-In a survey of 577 nurses and nursing aides, 81% said they had witnessed emotional elder abuse, with 40% admitting to committing at least one incident themselves over a 12-month period.
Talking To Your Loved Ones
Discovering that your loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home is a heartbreaking and deeply concerning situation. It’s essential to approach the conversation with your loved one about these suspicions with sensitivity, compassion, and a clear plan of action. By communicating effectively and providing reassurance and support, you can help your loved one feel heard, validated, and empowered to take steps towards a safer, healthier future.
When you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is vital to report your concerns. FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com is a valuable resource that can help you navigate this challenging process. Fill out our form now to request a free consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney to ensure that your loved one’s rights are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
