ABC15 Investigates Sun Valley Group of Tempe
The ABC15 Investigators are investigating Arizona adult guardian group Sun Valley Group of Tempe after several allegations of abuse and possibly criminal behavior. Adult guardians are court-appointed representatives who are entrusted with protecting the rights and interests of adults who cannot make decisions for themselves, such elders who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the many complaints from family members documented by ABC15, Sun Valley Group is also the subject of two separate criminal investigations.
Sun Valley Group of Tempe is a group that provides guardianship services for adults who need care and advocacy. Under state law, a judge can appoint a guardian provided by a company such as Sun Valley Group for adults who are deemed unable to make decisions for themselves. The guardian is supposed to be an advocate for the patient's rights and make decisions on their behalf.
However, according to the patients' family members interviewed by ABC15, Sun Valley Group is more interested in bilking the patients of their money instead of providing services. One patient's daughter says that her mother's medical bills were not paid, she did not receive proper medical treatment, and her house was allowed to go into foreclosure. In another case, Sun Valley Group charged a patient's family $500,000, including $75 per hour for an employee to open the resident's mail.
The co-owner of Sun Valley Group is currently being investigated by the Arizona nursing board, while the company is also under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Organized Crime Unit. More information on Sun Valley Group can be found in this video report from ABC15:
Elders and their families must always be looking out for abuse. If you believe a member of your family has been abused by a nursing home or a guardian, you should contact an attorney to discuss your case. For more information on elder abuse, visit the Solomon & Relihan Nursing Home Advocates website.
