Nursing Home Abuse News

Spring Valley Nurse Aide Pleads Guilty To Abusing Elderly Man In Nursing Home

Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that former Northern Riverview Nursing Home certified nurse aide (CNA) Yolette Joseph pled guilty in the Village of Haverstraw Justice Court to violating the Public Health Laws in connection with her abuse of an elderly patient.  As a result of her plea, Ms. Joseph faces up to one year in jail.  Sentencing is scheduled for March 22, 2007. 
        
Yolette Joseph, 49, of Spring Valley, NY, admitted that on July 20, 2006, she was arguing with a sixty-nine year old wheelchair-bound patient, who suffered from dementia, while she and another CNA were placing him in bed.  Joseph admitted that the argument escalated and that she eventually slapped the resident in his face.  As a result of the assault, the patient sustained swelling and bruising under his eye.  Joseph also admitted that she falsely reported the incident to her superiors in an attempt to cover up her actions because she feared losing her job.  It was only when the bruising on the victim’s face became apparent on the following day that Joseph admitted to her superiors that she had slapped the patient.

“My office is committed to protecting nursing home residents who are particularly vulnerable to neglect and abuse,” Cuomo said.  “Those entrusted with caring for the sick or elderly must be held accountable for abusing patients.”

Northern Riverview Nursing Home is located at 87 Route 9W in Haverstraw, New York.  Joseph worked at the facility from April 26, 2001 to July 21, 2006, when she was immediately terminated as a result of this incident.  

Attorney General Cuomo thanked the state Health Department for referring the matter to his office, and he thanked the administration and staff of Northern Riverview Nursing Home for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.  Cuomo also noted that his office referred the matter to the state Health Department and that, as a result of this conviction, Joseph will be barred from working in nursing homes and placed on the State Nursing Home Registry.

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.