Elder Law

Nursing Home Sued Following Abuse of Resident

By Levin & Perconti

ChicoER News reported earlier this month on a nursing home lawsuit alleging repeated problems with the treatment of a vulnerable resident at a local care facility.

The lawsuit claims that the now-deceased victim was abused while at the Evergreen Gridley Healthcare Center. The resident was admitted to the nursing home in 2009 because of a ?functional decline? in health. Upon admission, the resident?s doctor ordered that he be treated with Aldactone, a diuretic drug that aids in the control of excess body fluid build-up.

However, the suit claims that staff members at the nursing home did not administer the needed drug to the patient for several days. As a result of the egregious failure to provide the proper treatment, the resident?s weakened body began to swell. The swelling was especially prominent in the victim?s legs. The doctor ordered a different drug for the patient after he was made aware of the error, but the nursing home delayed in administering that new drug as well.

As a result, the 94-year old resident eventually stopped eating his meals, failed to have bowel movements, and did not respond to laxatives. He was then given a suppository against his wishes and without any effect. The victim was particularly upset about the forced suppository, because he wanted to spend his remaining time in peace.

However, knowing that the man was on ?comfort care? with no desire to receive unnecessary treatment, a registered nurse wanted to force the man to endure an enema. The nurse ultimately got several other nurses to hold the man down, even while he was screaming for them to stop, and forced the enema. All of this was done knowing that the victim would suffer pain and knowing he did not want the treatment.

Our Chicago nursing home attorneys at Levin & Perconti are appalled at the treatment of elderly Americans that cause unneeded pain and suffering. We believe that the care of our seniors should at all times respect their basic rights of humane, respectful, responsive care. No 94-year old man should be forced to endure painful, unwanted, unnecessary procedures. If you or someone you know may have suffered in this way, please contact a nursing home lawyer today.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on October 28, 2010 (boomark / email).