Owner of Nursing Home Chain Under Fire for Allegations of Abuse

The owner of California’s largest chain of nursing homes is under fire over allegations of abuse and wrongful deaths in at least one of its facilities. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the care facility in question is Centinela Skilled Nursing and Wellness Center West in Inglewood where 68-year-old Geneva Hilton reportedly died in 2014, five weeks after she was admitted into the facility. Los Angeles millionaire Schlomo Rechnitz, who has been praised for his charity and generosity, is now facing questions over the treatment of vulnerable, elderly people in his nursing facilities.

His company owns 81 nursing homes in California. Hilton’s daughter has sued Centinela West claiming elder abuse and negligence. That lawsuit states that the woman was admitted for rehabilitative care with her lungs in good condition. But five weeks later, she was rushed to the hospital in critical condition for pneumonia, dehydration and a body temperature that was lower than 80 degrees. Now, her daughter is trying to figure out what went wrong. The article talks about several other facilities owned by Rechnitz where there have been allegations of horrible abuse and neglect.

Nursing Home Lawyer Speaks Out

“First, my thoughts and prayers go out to this family and all victims of Schlomo Rechnitz’s apparent fraud and deceit,” said Brian Chase, senior partner at Bisnar Chase. “But, unfortunately, this is not at all surprising.”

For Chase, who represents nursing home abuse victims and their families, these stories, unfortunately, are all too familiar.

“It’s shameful, but all too often the case, that these facilities dupe us into giving them our hard-earned dollars to care for our loved ones, only to use that money to support their grand lifestyles instead of providing the essential care that our loved ones need.”

It is critical that these facilities come under strict regulation and scrutiny, Chase said.

“They need to be held accountable by our civil justice system,” he said. “Moreover, I would love to see serious criminal penalties added to these wrongdoers who take advantage of us and our loved ones.”

Holding them Accountable

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights. If you suspect that criminal act has occurred, contact local law enforcement right away. If your loved one has been neglected or abused, report the incidents to the administrators immediately. File a formal complaint with the California Department of Public Health, which oversees nursing home and assisted living facilities statewide. Contact an experienced California nursing home abuse lawyer who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and ensure that the negligent nursing homes are held accountable.

Image source: KCal 9