The daughter of a deceased nursing home resident is seeking answers to the cause of her mother’s death after her request for an autopsy was denied [Source: Northwest Herald]. Apparently, the 78-year-old, who was a resident of Bria of Geneva, allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 before passing away. Faith Heimbrodt, the woman’s daughter, was unaware that her mother had even contracted the virus until she was informed by the agency she had paid to perform an autopsy that it couldn’t be done because her body bag said “COVID-19 positive.”
Surprised by the news, Heimbrodt contact Bria of Geneva’s director who confirmed that her mother had not tested positive for COVID-19. In fact, she told the news source that her mother was never tested, nor did she display symptoms associated with the virus. At that point, Heimbrodt began questioning what the true cause of her mother’s death was.
Previous Visits with Her Mother May Have Pointed to Neglect
While Heimbrodt said she used to visit with her mom every few weeks, she had to begin limiting her visits after she was warned the flu was going around. The 49-year-old shared that she suffers from multiple sclerosis and didn’t want to risk getting sick. Heimbrodt said she had seen her mother in December and then again on April 23rd. But during the visit in April, Heimbrodt admits she was shocked at her mother’s condition.
Not only did Heimbrodt say that the roof of her mother’s mouth was “covered with sores that were blackened,” but her “dentures had never been removed.” She told the source that she “could see debris and caked food” on them. Her mother’s “eyes were also sunken in and she looked dehydrated.” After questioning whether her mother was being hydrated, a nurse allegedly told her that “they were not giving her any water because she might aspirate into her lungs.” The nurse went on to explain that they do not do IV fluids but would relay the information to her mother’s doctor.
Heimbrodt said that while a physician was assigned to her mother when she became a resident, she “didn’t think he ever saw her mother, let alone provide any care.” The next day, Heimbrodt had contacted the facility and demanded that if her mother was not given water, she would contact a lawyer. The facility did bring out Vitas Hospice to see her mother, but healthcare staff told Heimbrodt that her mother was getting startled each time they tried to touch her. At that point, she questioned the last time her mother was cleaned or moved.”
Just two days after visiting her mother, the 78-year-old passed away on April 25th. Now, Heimbrodt is looking for answers.
Do you suspect that a loved one of yours who is living in a Chicago, IL nursing home is being neglected?
If you answered yes, the Chicago, IL nursing home neglect lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 1-312-384-1920
Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com
