OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma group concerned for the safety of some of our most vulnerable citizens took their fight to a new level.
Nursing home residents and those who feel they’re not being protected are wanting the federal government to step in and add more oversight to the system.
The stories and pictures are heartbreaking, but this group says not enough is being done in our state to protect nursing home residents.
Wes Bledsoe, with A Perfect Cause, said, “These are human rights violations. Look at these pictures. Listen to these stories.”
Story after story of loved ones allegedly abused inside Oklahoma nursing homes.
One of those at the Capitol Tuesday was Eloise Miller.
She showed graphic pictures reflecting on the final days of her mother’s life, her body full of bruises.
86-year-old Fern Horton also says she was the victim of abuse at two Oklahoma nursing homes.
Horton said, “They don’t listen to us. Our word means nothing. What happens to justice when you go into a nursing home?”
She says her reports of the abuse were never documented and treated as if they never happened.
“I am a United States citizen. My roots go back to the Mayflower,” said Horton. “I can’t get justice? My word is useless because it’s not written in some damn record.”
The group, A Perfect Cause, blames several state agencies but says the governor is the one who should be held responsible.
Tuesday, the group walked to the governor’s office to deliver an open records request, along with pictures of those who have died at the hands of nursing home abuse.
They want to find out if the governor has taken any action they’ve requested.
These families say they will also take their fight to the federal government, demanding nursing homes be held to a higher standard with more accountability and oversight.
Miller said, “I just need some closure and until something is done, I don’t think I can even grieve her death.”
We reached out to the governor’s office for a response.
So far, we have not heard back from her office.
Warning: Some of these images are considered graphic and may be disturbing.
