In The News:
Mesa woman claims mother was abused, calls for more oversight at Heritage Village Assisted Living Center
Eighty-four-year-old Carol Caruss has lived a good life. She’s a retired school teacher, beloved grandmother and cherished member of her community. She’s also the victim of abuse and neglect, according to her daughter Renee Caruss. She has pictures of the trauma her mother allegedly endured over the past two years while living at the Heritage Village Assisted Living Center in Mesa.
“My mom’s face was cut in middle of her chin,” said Renee Curuss. “She had her lip swollen, she had bruises.”
In one incident, Carol, who suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s, was reportedly attacked by another patient. A report was filed with Mesa P.D. A few months later, she suffered a black eye when a staff member said she fell on the floor. Last month, Renee claimed that Heritage Village failed to address a serious medical condition that put her mom’s life at risk.
“I feel a lot of guilt,” said Renee Caruss. “Sadness and just disappointment, even anger at this point.” The Caruss family are among a growing number of families that have come forward with allegations of abuse and neglect at Heritage Village. The Arizona Department of Health Services has cited Heritage Village more than 140 times in the past three years, prompting Governor Katie Hobbs to demand a state investigation while calling for more oversight of assisted living communities.
Arizona’s Family has also run stories about Joyce Dinet, an 83-year-old who died after being attacked by a roommate at Heritage Village. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Madison Realty Companies company took over the operations of Heritage Village just over a year ago. Managing director Gary Langendoen told AZFamily in October that they’ve made significant changes to increase staffing and improve patient care. Renee Caruss doesn’t think they’ve done enough.
“My mom came with tears in her arms, and bruises on her and I didnt get a phone call,” said Renee Caruss. “So what has changed? I dont see the change. They’ve proven time and time again that they don’t care, and they’re getting tens of thousands of dollars a month to care for our loved ones, and they’re not doing it.”
Renee Caruss said she has moved her mom out of Heritage Village. She is hoping state lawmakers will pass legislation this year that will provide more oversight of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Source: Article found on AZfamily.com
Your Experience Matters
...and we want to hear it.
NHAA is here to assist families, residents, and the community by sounding the alarm on issues like those found above. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.
If you have or had a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately.
We have helped many already and we can help you and your loved one as well by filing a state complaint, hiring a specialized nursing home attorney or helping you find a more suitable location for your loved one.
You can make a difference, even if your loved one has already passed away.
Please give us a call at 1-800-645-5262 or fill out our form detailing your experience.
Personal Note from NHA-Advocates
NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety.
If you are struggling and upset, click here to understand your options, or contact us through our contact form or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262.
