JOHNSTOWN - There are serious allegations Friday against a chain of nursing homes in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania attorney general accuses Grane Healthcare of misleading consumers by “failing to provide basic services to elderly and vulnerable residents.”
Out of the 11 facilities named in the lawsuit, three are in WJAC’s coverage area. Those include the Altoona Center for Nursing Care, the Cambria Care Center in Ebensburg and the LaurelWood Care Center in Johnstown.
The lawsuit accuses Grane Healthcare of several misrepresentations on its websites and in marketing materials regarding facility staffing and basic care provided.
"These alleged misrepresentations not only deceived the residents of these facilities, but Grane's business practices also degraded residents and increased the risk of negative health consequences," Attorney General Bruce Beemer said.
Some of the alleged consequences include residents having to urinate and defecate in their clothes because they weren't assisted to the bathroom in a timely manner.
"I'd say about three or four times, they let me sit in my own crap and they take a long time to come in," one female resident at LaurelWood Care Center said.
"We have a remote that goes to the TV and there's a bell on there,” she said. “And I'd ring it, like, two times at least. And there's times they'll come in and say 'oh I'll take care of you in a little bit,' go and they don't come back for an hour or so."
Grane Healthcare is also accused of billing consumers and the commonwealth for services that were never provided, falsifying records, not checking and changing residents for hours at a time and more.
"There is ample evidence that these facilities fell short when it came to providing essential services," Beemer said.
The lawsuit seeks restoration for consumers and the commonwealth, as well as $1,000 per violation of the consumer protection law or up to $3,000 for every violation involving someone 60 years old or older.
Grane Healthcare officials did release a statement, in part saying they believe the lawsuit is “completely unfounded” and driven in part by a Washington law firm along with the Attorney General's Office for “significant monetary gain.” They said, "We intend to vigorously defend ourselves and our employees and we look forward to our day in court.”
If you would like to file a claim with the Attorney General’s Office, click here.
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