As nursing home abuse lawyers , it is not often that we are shocked by a case of abuse or negligence. Every once in a while, however, we come across a story that is so disturbing, that it’s hard to imagine any type of care facility allowing their care to become so lax.
On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, a 67 year old man was taken to the Via Christi Hospital in Kansas for chest pains. The doctors discovered that the resident of the Deseret HealthCare and Rehabilitation center had open sores and maggots on his feet. The police were called and the victim told them that he was being mistreated at the facility.
Facility Shows Poor Track Record
Melisa Land, the Deseret HealthCare and Rehabilitation’s administrator, would not discuss the patient. Below is the statement she did release;
“However, we are taking these allegations seriously. We are currently investigating the situation and fully cooperating with the proper agencies…As always, the Deseret commitment is to the health and safety of each and every resident — including the resident making the allegation.”
This incident has brought up the home’s poor record. In the latest inspection in April, the facility was cited for twenty-five violations, a number that is significantly higher than the state average of eleven and the national average of eight. Officials found a rusty floor vent, a broken call light, a resident whose toenails had grown an inch from the tip of the toes, and a resident’s bed left with urine soaked sheets. These are serious deficiencies that put the residents at risk for physical harm.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time the home has received poor performance reviews. In December 2008, 47 citations were handed out, and in December 2009, another 24.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you have witnessed your loved one being abused, you have noticed any strange bruises, scratches or sores, or you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, our professionals can address your questions and concerns. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation with one of our nursing home abuse lawyers at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Lea Marie Hughes, 36, was arrested for vulnerable adult abuse of the 64-year-old woman that she had been caring for. Hughes, her boyfriend, and her two children moved into the home of the victim five years ago so Hughes could begin caring for the woman who has 
Initially, Susan Piro cancelled the trip she planned to take to America. However, the vacation became too hard to resist, and Susan departed, leaving her mother behind. Ironically, the point of the excursion was to visit places in America her mother had once lived. Susan’s selfish and clouded judgement have now prevented her from ever being able to share these memories with her mother. 
On average, research has shown that the process to upgrade to pressure-reduction mattresses would cost about 30 cents per patient. This minimal investment would soon pay major dividends in the healthcare world. Professionals project that the reduction in bed sores could save $32 dollars per patient in treatment and care costs. This equation leads to one conclusion, big money will be saved once healthcare costs decrease. Murray Krahn, a principal investigator with the study stated that “pressure ulcers are a huge but under-appreciated problem across multiple settings in our health-care system.” He continued by stating, “though they are not the full solution, pressure-reduction mattresses are an inexpensive and easy way to address the problem.”
Stage IV bed sores are horrifying wounds that cause incredible damage to the health of a person. If you or your loved one has a Stage IV bed sore that is currently not being treated, it needs to be treated immediately for the health and safety of the patient. Unfortunately, Stage IV bed sores start off as Stage I bed sores, as discussed in previous blog posts, which are entirely preventable by attentive medical professionals.
Stage III bed sores are incredibly serious and need immediate attention, as healing bed sores that progress past Stage II is extremely difficult. A stage III bed sore will display skin loss involving damage or death to the subcutaneous tissue that may extend to the connective tissue. The wound will look like a deep crater which is black around its edges. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle is not. There may be tunneling and undermining in the skin.
Even though he is claiming that she died of natural causes, the investigators are saying that she died of starvation while covered in bed sores. The autopsy showed she died of severe pneumonia, malnutrition and possibly dehydration. They are also saying that the house was messy and the only food was two cans in the cabinet. According to her driver’s license, Ms. Rogers weighed 140 pounds, but at the time of her death, she weighed only 70 pounds. The coroner said the bed sores were severe and all over her body and that the sores on her feet meant that she was too weak to move her legs. More than a third of the home’s combined monthly income of $3,500< came from Connie’s social security. According to bank records, that money was usually withdrawn as cash days after it was deposited.
Mr. Rogers may have had good intentions for his mother’s care, but this is no excuse for the severe elder abuse that occurred. Even if she refused to eat or was difficult to care for, he should have known the point where he needed the professional help. There is no record of Ms. Rogers applying for or receiving any Medicare benefits. This means that he did not take advantage of a service that could have improved her condition drastically and allowed her to live much longer.