Charlotte Nursing Home Faces Lawsuit Over Negligence

News Summary

A local nursing home in Charlotte is facing legal action after an 81-year-old woman was found with a maggot-infested wound. The family of the resident alleges negligence and lack of hygiene standards at University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Following disturbing discoveries, including failing to seek medical help, the lawsuit seeks accountability for the care provided to vulnerable residents.

Charlotte Nursing Home Faces Legal Action After Elderly Woman’s Disturbing Condition

Charlotte, North Carolina – A shocking incident at a local nursing home has triggered a lawsuit after an 81-year-old woman was discovered with a maggot-infested wound. Bernice Mayes, who suffers from dementia, was a resident at the University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Concerned family members have now stepped forward to hold the facility accountable for what they describe as negligence and a failure to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards.

Background of the Case

Mayes had been living at the nursing home for about a year when disaster struck. After recovering from COVID-19 in early 2021, her health took a turn for the worse. Reports indicate that staff members at the facility neglected to address her serious medical needs, notably a severe wound on her heel that became infested with maggots. The nursing home staff reportedly refused a request from family members to take Mayes to the hospital for treatment.

Justin Waddell, Mayes’ grandson, filed a lawsuit in Mecklenburg County Superior Court on February 28. Waddell claims that he received video evidence from concerned staff members showing the shocking condition of his grandmother’s heel, which was teeming with the invasive pests.

Government Intervention

After becoming aware of the distressing situation, Waddell took swift action. He transferred Mayes to a hospital where she received necessary medical treatment and then moved her to another care facility for ongoing support. Upon investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), inspectors discovered between 50 to 100 maggots in Mayes’ wound, shedding light on the negligence that allegedly permeated University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

According to the facility’s medical director, the recommended treatment was to clean the wound with vinegar and water. This directive was given without the medical director personally examining Mayes. Alarmingly, when paramedics responded to an anonymous call concerning Mayes’ condition, they were turned away from providing her hospital transport.

A Pattern of Neglect

The situation surrounding Mayes is not an isolated incident. University Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has a troubling history, having been cited for 21 violations by state inspectors in the past decade. This includes past infractions for failing to implement proper safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this latest revelation, the nursing home faced monetary sanctions and was required to undertake corrective measures, such as spraying for flies and purchasing new window screens to improve overall facility conditions.

Next Steps for the Family

In his lawsuit, Waddell is seeking compensatory damages and a jury trial, emphasizing to the community the importance of constantly monitoring loved ones in nursing homes. He hopes that other families won’t have to endure similar heart-wrenching experiences. The lawsuit argues that the quality of services at University Place did not waver due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby holding the facility accountable for its actions during this distressing time.

To ensure that residents receive the care they deserve and to prevent such occurrences from happening again, it is crucial for families to stay vigilant. The nursing home administrator, Tou Lor, has stated that the health and wellbeing of the residents is the top priority of the facility. However, the recent allegations have left many questioning how such a grave oversight could happen.

Conclusion

This unfortunate incident sheds light on the ongoing issues within nursing homes regarding the care of vulnerable populations. As families navigate the search for quality elder care, the importance of diligent monitoring and open communication cannot be overstated. The hope remains that cases like this will prompt improved standards for nursing facilities across the nation.

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• WSOC TV
• Wikipedia: Nursing Home
• Charlotte Observer
• Google Search: charlotte nursing home maggots
• Newsweek
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing Home
• WBTV
• Google News: nursing home violations
• Health Exec
• QC News