Nursing home workers accused of neglect

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A hidden-camera investigation targeted employees at a local nursing home. The suspects are accused of neglecting helpless patients.

Eight current and one former employee of Williamsville Suburban Nursing Home, accused of patient neglect, were released after appearing in Amherst Town Court.

The charges were brought by the State Attorney General's office. Authorities say investigators set up a hidden camera in a resident's room to gather evidence. This is undercover footage provided by the Attorney General taken at a facility in the Albany-area, where arrests were made in a separate case.

MORE ON THIS STORY:

>> View the official press release

>> View photos and names of those arrested in WNY

The probe involving Williamsville Suburban Nursing Home happened over a seven week period and was done with family consent. Among other things, the Attorney General's office alleges that two nurses failed to administer insulin and provide skin and wound treatment to a resident.

According to the Attorney General, two licensed practical nurses and one certified nurse aide were charged with falsifying business records. Five other certified nurse aides were charged with endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person.

The Nursing Home's President released a statement saying:
"There was no harm caused to any resident as a result of the alleged conduct. Williamsville Suburban has suspended seven of the eight employees pending the outcome of the matter and the eighth is no longer employed."

The statement goes on to say:
"Williamsville Suburban had no knowledge of the alleged improper conduct and is cooperating fully with the state."

>>>You can read the full response here

News 4 reported in 2008 that the Union Road home was added to a list of "Special Focus Facilities" by the federal government. At that time, Selena Berrier told News 4 her 74-year-old father was suffering from neglect and showed us pictures of sores on his knees and a swollen left arm.

Berrier said, "Then I found him here on friday with a temperature of 106. Then they took it again under his armpit it was 107. It's just really been horrific for me what he's going through."

A spokesman with the State Health Department tells News 4 the facility is no longer on the federal list of "Special Focus Facilities." However, state health inspectors have logged numerous deficiencies over the past year. You can see that report by following this link .