MORGAN PARK — An aide at Belhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Park abused an 89-year-old resident with an array of health issues Oct. 16, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The 221-bed nursing home at 11401 S. Oakley Ave. also failed to immediately report the allegation of abuse, the report from the Springfield-based state regulator states.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) sent an email Thursday to constituents referencing the report dated Nov. 15. He pointed to the findings, which identify the victim as suffering from Parkinson's disease, anemia, emphysema, dysphagia and morbid obesity.
The victim reported Oct. 16 that a staff member "was trying to choke" her, the report says. These claims were followed by evidence of scratches on the victim's neck and chest. In a follow-up interview Nov. 3., the victim said the incident stemmed from a request for help with incontinence.
The victim said the aide was "very rough in rendering care," including hitting, choking and scratching the victim, who "was wet and was calling repeatedly." A nurse eventually came to the room but did nothing, the report states.
Regulators said the nurse was obligated to escort the aide out of the building upon learning of the allegations. Instead, the aide was allowed to finish the shift. Both of the employees were fired Oct. 21, and a police report was made, according to the regulator.
Belhaven's director of nurses also told regulators the aide admitted to hitting the victim.
Two other residents said they heard a scuffle and yelling during the night of the alleged abuse. One resident described the sounds as "disturbing," and the victim was tearful when speaking about the incident the next day with a social worker, the report says.
Regulators have asked Belhaven officials to submit a "Plan of Correction" after their findings on Nov. 9. A new set of policies and procedures need to be in place by Dec. 24, or the facility could face the denial of Medicare/Medicaid payments, state monitoring, an outright termination of its provider agreement or other penalties.
Solomon Mizrahi, Belhaven's administrator, did not return a phone call Friday morning requesting comment.
O'Shea said his office requested a investigation at the nursing home last year after several complaints from residents. And he is asking "anyone with a friend or family member living at Belhaven to please check on them."
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