California Nursing Home Accused of Elderly Abuse

By Mary O'Keefe

A lawsuit seeking unspecified damages has been brought forth by an 81-year-old woman who accuses Pleasant Care Convalescent of Riverside of elder abuse and negligence. Pleasant Care Corp., owned by La Cañada resident Emmanuel I. Bernabe, owns or has interest in more than 30 nursing homes throughout California, including the one named in the suit.

According to the suit, filed in California Superior Court on Valentine's Day, caregivers at the Riverside facility allegedly ignored several falls, injuries and abrasions that occurred over three years. On the most recent occasion, in February of 2006, the woman complained of pain in her right knee. X-rays were ordered, a capability the facility has on its premise, however none were taken.

After almost two weeks without being given a proper diagnosis, the woman's family insisted an X-ray be taken. It was then discovered that the woman had a broken hip, Young said.

"The family had no idea of this condition until it was discovered at the hospital," Young said.She was also found to be suffering from malnutrition and dehydration.

The lawsuit also alleges that a female caregiver at the facility attempted to extort money from a family friend to ensure good care for the woman. It also list other incidents of this nature that occurred.

The lawsuit also names Bernabe. In March 2006, Bernabe and Pleasant Care Corp. agreed to pay $1.35 million to the state of Calfornia to settle civil allegations of negligent care in many of its facilities. In the last five years Pleasant Care has received more than 160 citations from the California Department of Health.

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