Backed by very disturbing yet indisputable video footage which was, in part, released through the media and internet, the nurses caught committing atrocious acts against my now 99-year-old client had their licenses suspended in recent administrative proceeding. My clients are genuinely relieved with the administrative decision rendered to suspend the licenses of the two offending nurses placed into their home by AMS Homecare Solutions. As of this Wednesday, these two individuals (Russel Torralba and Alfredo Ruiz) can no longer rightfully work as nurses in California.
Although my clients are deeply saddened by the acts committed against their loved one and ask that the video-footage not continue to be used in such a public display due to its graphic and personal nature, they do hope that the circumstances of the case will serve to highlight the importance of bringing about public awareness regarding the abuses being committed against our elderly. Such conduct cannot be tolerated. It is important that our administrative agencies and law enforcement bodies continue to take strong action to serve a message that we as a community will not condone our elderly being neglected or abused at the hands of those persons and businesses charged to provide care. Regardless of where the care is to be provided, those who we entrust to care for our elderly parents must act with nothing less than the highest degree of responsibility, oversight, dignity and respect.
As per AMS, the company’s continued release of false information about this case through the hiring of a “media publicist” is extremely concerning to my clients. My clients feel even more victimized, troubled and concerned for public safety given the blatant misstatements, misrepresentations and lack of accountability being taken by AMS Homecare. My clients call for accountability given that AMS created this situation in contracting to provide services that it could not in the first place legally provide, then placing these unfit nurses into their home, and then failing to supervise its employees even in the face of complaints made, will not go undeterred. Our civil case will continue and we similarly trust that the state’s licensing and enforcement agencies will continue their investigation into the business acts and conduct of this company.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, contact the offices at Berman & Riedel for a free consultation.
