Illinois Nursing Home Workers May Have Covered Up Death of Chicago Woman Who Froze in Subfreezing Temperatures After Wandering Outside
According to authorities, Illinois workers at the Arbor of Itasca long-term care facility ignored the sound of the security door alarm on the night that Sarah “Sally” Wentworth wandered out of the facility and froze to death outside. Wentworth’s daughters are suing the Chicago nursing home for wrongful death. Now, investigators are considering whether to file criminal charges against some of the workers.
One nursing home worker is suspected of barely glancing up when the door alarm, triggered by Wentworth’s electronic bracelet, went off early in the morning on February 5 because she was busy watching “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” She could be charged with criminal neglect.
Now, Illinois law enforcement officers are saying that nursing home workers may have covered up the circumstances surrounding Wentworth’s death by putting her back in her bed to make it appear as if she died in her sleep. Wentworth, a Chicago resident, was placed in the home because she suffered from dementia and numerous other complications.
While police were told she passed away while sleeping, authorities that arrived at the scene noticed that Wentworth was wearing a hospital gown instead of pajamas and had been placed on a gurney with an oxygen machine connected to her. All nine nursing home workers were interviewed by investigators who say they noticed that some of them gave conflicting reports. Authorities say obstruction of justice may be another criminal charge that could be filed.
Yesterday, the Arbor of Itasca confirmed that the nursing home workers that are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the elderly resident's death have been suspended.
Illinois Nursing Homes
There are specific protocols and procedures that must be followed by each Chicago nursing home. When failure to follow these regulations and steps leads to injuries or the death of a patient, the nursing home and its workers could be held liable for nursing home neglect, nursing home abuse, or wrongful death.
Suspensions come at Itasca nursing home, Daily Herald, February 20, 2009
Nursing home employees suspended, may faces charges in death, Daily Herald, February 19, 2009
Charges expected in nursing home resident death, ABC, February 18, 2009
Related Web Resources:
