Former Nursing Home CEO Sentenced to Prison

Posted on May 28, 2010 by David Boyles

The former CEO of a Milwaukee nursing home who stole from her nursing home while patients were neglected is going to prison for tax evasion.  The CEO is alleged to have stolen over $1 million from her nursing home while patients were denied baths and clean sheets and one resident jumped to his death after the staff ignored his threats of suicide.

Karen Mason was the CEO of Havenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Milwaukee.  The facility was closed in 2005 after a state raid that uncovered severe neglect.  While the patients suffered, authorities say that Mason stole more than $1 million and used the money to buy furniture, jewelry, new cars, and concert and sporting event tickets.  She also spent money on vacations, wedding and honeymoon expenses, and payments to her yacht club. 

In 2008, Mason pleaded guilty to theft and abuse of patients and was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay back more than $80,000 to the nursing home.  In this separate tax evasion case, Mason was found to have collected more than $600,000 in income in 2004 without filing a tax return.  She was sentenced to two years in prison.

This case illustrates that cases of neglect in nursing home are not always isolated incidents due to a few "bad apple" staff members, even though that is how they are inevitably portrayed by nursing homes and their lawyers.  Often, neglect is the result of institutional problems starting with the upper management.  Even in cases where nursing home executives are not as egregiously corrupt as Mason, many executives more interested in money than patient care create an environment that encourages neglect. 

If you suspect your loved one's nursing home is being neglectful, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your options.  For more information on nursing home neglect, visit the Solomon & Relihan Nursing Home Advocates website.

 

 

 


 
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Violence in Albuquerque Group Home Shows Need for Adequate Staffing, Management

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Martin Solomon

An Albuquerque group home for children with hearing impairment may be shut down due to excessive calls to the police. The Albuquerque news reports that the police have been to the home "dozens of times," responding to violence and threats. Some of the teens reportedly threatened to kill staff members, broke windows and slapped their caregivers.

The operators admit the situation is not appropriate. They claim to have taken steps towards a better environment, including giving staff "additional training." This begs the question, "why wasn't the staff trained properly to begin with?" Additionally, one wonders how healthy this environment can be for the teens when the staff can't control the situation and police must be called. A group home is supposed to be a supportive environment that helps its members adapt and function in society. This level of chaos and stress would surely hinder that kind of development

This article indicates the importance of a properly trained staff and safe group home environment. If a member of your family is in a group home, be sure to make sure they caregivers manage issues constructively. And, always be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect that may be occurring.
 

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