Bridget Doyle, TribLocal reporter
Family members are suing a nursing home, saying negligence and overmedicating caused the death of a 74-year-old woman less than a month after arriving at the Hinsdale facility.
In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the family of Dolores Howorth claim the former Western Springs resident died of kidney failure caused by dehydration because Hinsdale’s ManorCare Health Services chemically restrained her. The suit claims she was given medication that wasn’t necessary to treat her dementia and also physically restrained her with a wheelchair lap restraint. The family seeks damages in excess of $50,000 on each of the seven counts in the lawsuit.
When asked for comment Thursday, ManorCare representative Kelly Kessler said once the lawsuit is received, ManorCare plans to review and respond accordingly.
Howorth was admitted to ManorCare’s Arcadia Dementia Unit on March 20, 2009, the suit states. Within 48 hours, she was prescribed Ativan, a sedative. Four days later she was prescribed Seroquel, an anti-psychotic. The lawsuit notes Howorth lost 16.1 pounds in her first 12 days at ManorCare.
Howorth was rushed from ManorCare to 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 firm representing the family.
“The Nursing Home Care Act as well as federal law has very strict guidelines of when chemical and physical restraints can be used in order to prevent nursing homes from using them for their own convenience as opposed to what’s best for the resident,” said Steven Levin of Levin and Perconti, a Chicago-based law firm representing Howorth’s family.
Howorth’s son, Hank Howorth said his family chose ManorCare because it seemed well-staffed, energetic and clean upon initial visits. However, shortly into her stay at the nursing home, Hank Howorth said his mother was exhausted all hours of the day. Sometimes, he said, she was even unresponsive.
“Right from the very beginning, we felt the medication was knocking her off too much,” Hank Howorth said. “I visited her every single day, and she would always be sleeping — often unrousable. When my wife and I sat in on physical therapy, we noticed the nurses would often have to manipulate her limbs.”
Hank Howorth said although he knows a lawsuit won’t bring his mother back, he and his family feel compelled to let others know of potential hazards at nursing facilities.
“This was the only way to get their attention so their professional practice changes,” Hank Howorth said. “Loved ones in nursing homes are trusted in the care of other people. We want to let others know they should investigate, ask a lot of questions and be aware when medications are prescribed.”
I am glad to hear that ‘ACaringNurse’ had a good experience at ManorCare Hinsdale however as someone who knows this family I felt compelled to comment, as I doubt they will. From the little I know I can assure readers that this case has nothing to do with blood thirsty lawyers or the media and everything to do with the negligent care given to this vulnerable lady which has been confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. It seems therefore that this case is not an attempt to discourage ManorCare’s mission of superior care, but is instead an attempt to ensure that all patients actually receive the care promised them. This lady was a patient who sadly did not receive proper care and it seems from this case that her family are not willing to sweep her death under the rug.
Concerned Friend
Both my mother and my father in law were patients at Manor Care Hinsdale, where they received WORLDS better care than they did at the hospitals they were transferred from. The staff went above and beyond to make sure my family member’s needs were met, and that was no easy task! Keep up the GREAT work, I know how hard it is, being a Registered Nurse who has worked in long term care. Don’t let the media or blood thirsty lawyers discourage you in your mission to provide superior care. Let those who criticize your establishment try to find an institution who would care more than Manor Care Hinsdale! I would stay there myself..!
I had the unfortunate experience of working for Manor Care Arden Courts in Elk Grove Village, as their Building Services Coordinator/Safety Director, for four years. I would not allow my dog to spend it’s final days in their facilifies.
ManorCare is HORRIBLE. My mother was there for 3 miserable weeks after surgery and couldn’t wait to get out of there. What’s scary is that there’s even worse places in the area.