Sunday, September 12, 2010

IL: Family Sues Nursing Home Over Woman's Death

Family members are suing a Hinsdale nursing home, saying negligence and overmedicating caused the death of a 74-year-old woman less than a month after she arrived at the facility.

In a lawsuit, the family of Dolores Howorth claims the Western Springs resident died of kidney failure caused by dehydration because ManorCare Health Services chemically restrained her.

The suit claims she was given medication that wasn't necessary to treat her dementia and was physically restrained with a wheelchair lap restraint.

The family seeks damages in excess of $50,000 on each of the seven counts in the lawsuit.

Howorth was admitted to ManorCare's Arcadia dementia unit on March 20, 2009, the suit stated. Within 48 hours, she was prescribed Ativan, a sedative. Four days later she was prescribed Seroquel, an anti-psychotic. The lawsuit stated that Howorth lost 16.1 pounds in her first 12 days at ManorCare.

Howorth was rushed from ManorCare to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital April 15, 2009, and was pronounced dead a few hours after admission. The Illinois Department of Public Health investigated and cited ManorCare for improper care, neglect and improper restraint of Howorth, according to documents provided by the law firm representing the family.

Full Article and Source:
Family Sues Hindsdale Nursing Home Over Woman's Death

6 comments:

  1. I pray for this family's success!

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  2. If nursing homes had to start paying out becuase of their negligence, they might straighten up.

    I too pray for this family's success.

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  3. Here we go - the terrible effect of chemical restraint.

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  4. Chemical restraints should not be allowed. This woman was chemically restrained to death.

    I wonder what her death certificate says? Certainly not the truth for sure.

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  5. I am hoping for a big win for this family. Money can't replace ones loved one, but it can put a world of hurt on the nursing home.

    Anyone pressing criminal charges here?

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  6. i doubt if the death certificate states the true cause of death: HOMICIDE killing the elderly the disposable people with drugs they know are very dangerous they are getting away with murder morning noon and night and i wish those involved get payback a very painful prolonged end to their lives

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