San Mateo, CA (September 30, 2016) – On behalf of the family of Calvin Bennett, age 85, attorneys Chris Dolan and Aimee Kirby of the Dolan Law Firm filed earlier this year an elder abuse and wrongful death lawsuit against a San Mateo County assisted living facility and its owner Karin Lastimosa. Bennett died at Elle’s Care Home located in Broadmoor Village on May 30, 2015.
Today’s question comes from Barbara M. in Marin who asks, “My father was in a skilled nursing facility for the elderly in Marin County. He was 82, had trouble walking, and was basically confined to his bed or a wheel chair (the chair was not used frequently). Dad had some dementia and had bowel and bladder problems so he was also in an adult undergarment. There were times I would come in and find him in bed, soaked in urine and/or feces. The nurses said that they were understaffed and they were doing their best. Dad developed severe ulcers on his bottom that became infected and he died. I feel so bad and angry that they treated him this way. What can I do about it?”
This week’s question comes from Linda in the North Bay. She asks, “Chris, last fall, my brother and I helped our mother enter a nursing care facility. It was a nightmare. The food was so poor she became malnourished and didn’t drink enough water. Mom stayed in bed for most of the day and developed painful skin lesions. We removed her from the facility, but they refused to take any responsibility. Instead, they claimed we were being ‘overly sensitive.’ Can my mom sue the facility for the deficient care?”
Tara W. from Tiburon asks, “My grandmother is in a nursing home. She is bed bound and can’t use her legs. They don’t get her out of bed or change her adult diaper regularly and she has developed two large sores on her bottom. It’s not the best place but it is all we can afford. What rights does she have and what can I do to hold them responsible for not caring for my Grandma?”