Allegations of Abuse and Neglect at Nursing Home in Suburban Chicago Raised by Families and Former Employee
Published: November 2nd, 2009 • No Comments
An Illinois nursing home outside Chicago is under investigation for allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect brought by both family members of residents and a former employee.
Critics say the Westmont Nursing and Rehab Center, in suburban Chicago, are not properly caring for residents and worry that there are signs of abuse in the nursing home, including bruises found on some of the patients. The facility is under investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which is currently fining the facility $200 per day for a dozen previous allegations of poor quality care and abuse that have already been substantiated by state officials but have so far gone unresolved.
The Westmont nursing home officials deny the most recent batch of allegations, saying they were sparked by a disgruntled employee. However, former nurse’s aide Brenda Price says that the facility fired her for complaining about patient care. Price, who stepped forward following new complaints by residents’ family members, said that she has witnessed incidents of abuse at the Chicago-area nursing home, with aides punishing patients with cold showers, rough handling and denial of food.
SOURCE: CBS-2 Chicago — Suburban Chicago nursing home faces allegations of abuse
