Illinois Nursing Home Administrator Tipped Off About "Operation Guardian" Inspection
Asking "What took you so long?", Celeste Jensen was waiting for the group of law enforcement officials in the lobby of Grasmere Place nursing home on July 22, 2010. Law enforcement officials were performing a "surprise" Operation Guardian inspection, but it appears that the inspection was anything but a surprise.
Under questioning by authorities about how she knew of their impending arrival, Jensen admitted that she had been tipped off by a Chicago city official whose job it was to safeguard defenseless elderly and disabled nursing home residents. Grasmere was fully staffed on the day of the Operation Guardian inspection and had painters and carpenters present on premises. Despite the tip off, inspectors found problems at the facility, including the appearance that some residents were overmedicated.
An unannounced follow-up sweep on the night of August 16, 2010 found the facility with less staff and in less than tip top shape. According to the Attorney General's Deputy Chief-of-Staff, Cara Smith, "What we experienced was literally night and day."
The tip off appears to lend credence to a long-held suspicion that some nursing homes are forewarned of impending state inspections. In fact, one industry executive recently implied to the attorney general and other public health officials that a health department supervisor reportedly provided a monthly "master schedule" of inspections to a nursing home executive in return for cash, sports tickets, and other miscellaneous items. Inspection authorities have since closed the information loophole and the Operation Guardian inspection schedule is being closely guarded.
The 200 bed facility, located in Chicago, Illinois, cares for people suffering from mental illness. The facility is operated by companies controlled by Eric Rothner, a nursing home owner who has had two facilities closed this year.
For families with loved ones in Illinois nursing homes, this is just another reason to be vigilant in monitoring the care they are receiving. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call our Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer for a free consultation.
