Life Care Centers of America settles neglect suit
Life Care Centers of America has settled a lawsuit that accused the company of neglecting its residents and allowing a resident to lie in her own feces for hours after back surgery.
The resident, Betty Mae Hanzel, developed an infection in her wound. She required additional surgery to reopen her incision and drain the infection and fecal matter in the wound, according to legal documents. She was a resident of Life Care Center of Elkhorn (NE).The terms of the settlement between Hanzel and the company were not disclosed. The Cleveland, TN-based long-term care company owns and manages more than 260 facilities in 28 states, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities. Life Care Center of Elkhorn had been placed on a six-month probation in 2003 because of care issues, state records indicate.
