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photo by Brie Cohen
Good Samaritan Society Albert Lea is at 75507 240th Street. A Minnesota Department of Health report released Thursday describes abuse at this nursing home.
State report alleges abuse at Good Samaritan nursing home
Teenage girls said to perform lurid acts on the elderly
Published Friday, August 29, 2008
Fifteen residents of the Good Samaritan Society one mile north of Albert Lea were found to have been verbally, sexually and emotionally abused by four former nursing assistants, all teenage girls, earlier this year, according to a Minnesota Department of Health report report released Thursday.
“When they would do these things, they would pull the curtain enough, so when they heard a door open, they could stop. They were quite sneaky about what they were doing,” one employee told investigators.
“The ones they were targeting were those that have Alzheimer’s so bad, that they wouldn’t be able to say it or remember.”
Five girls were originally investigated in the case, but investigators did not find any substantiated findings related to the fifth girl in regard to abuse or neglect.
According to the report, the fifth girl was terminated for unrelated circumstances, and in her exit interview, she divulged allegations of abuse by one of the other girls.
That girl was placed on suspension, and Good Sam began an internal investigation. After administrators looked further, they contacted the Department of Health and the Albert Lea Police Department.
The victimized residents suffer from dementia or related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Families of the victims generally have been shocked by the allegations, and people familiar with the nursing home have been, too.
Photo by Brie Cohen
The Good Samaritan Society sign greets people coming to the nursing home. The Department of Health report said the facility will keep its license because administrators addressed the allegations of abuse as soon as they found out and soon contacted authorities.
The report says employees told the investigators the suspected girls would do the acts and laugh when the residents became upset.
“Employee stated that when doing cares on someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, they do things to get a ‘rise out of them,’” the report states.
The report alleges spitting in mouths, poking breasts and nipples, putting fingers in mouths, touching and tapping genitals, sticking rear ends in faces, rubbing buttocks, rubbing penises, touching perinea, anal insertion, holding residents down, and teasing them.
One employee told investigators that two of the girls had been “bragging about this for the past one to two months.”
The girls, who are not named in the report, no longer work there.
The conclusions come after an in-depth investigation, which included review of residents’ medical records, the facility’s internal investigation, staff schedules and assignments, incident and accident reports for February, March and April of 2008, personnel files, policies and procedures in regard to the Vulnerable Adults Act, and the facility’s abuse prevention plan, according to the report.
It also included observations of interactions between staff and residents, a tour of the units where the affected residents lived, interviews of several staff and residents, and interviews with the alleged perpetrators as videotaped by the Albert Lea Police Department.
The Albert Lea Police Department conducted a separate investigation. Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels said the report from his department’s investigation will not be released until Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson brings charges.
All Good Sam staff members were interviewed and asked about any concerns. Administrative staff conducted the interviews in the presence of the Albert Lea police officers.
“We knew when we received the complaint that it would be a difficult investigation because of the condition of the victims,” Winkels said. “That made this investigation extremely difficult. We did what we could to collect the evidence we could.”
His department has asked Nelson to file charges.
“We felt the allegations were severe enough, but it is ultimately up to the prosecutor,” he said.
Three days after the allegations of abuse were originally divulged by the fifth girl in her exit interview, Good Sam’s administrative staff “brought in a team of facility nurses to do head-to-toe assessments of all the residents in station one and station four” and all cognitive residents were interviewed to see if they had any concerns about their care, the report stated.
In that employee’s exit interview, she said one of the girls would do the alleged actions “to residents who ‘couldn’t do anything about it.’ Most of these residents couldn’t speak for themselves,” the report stated.
She said she didn’t report the abusive behavior right away because “she was scared,” the report said. “She stated that they were ‘taught to tell right away, but I never really expected myself to be in that situation, to be witnessing it.’”
Other employees indicated they had known about the behavior for a while, but didn’t know what to do, the report stated.
Upon review of the personnel files of each of the girls involved, the department found that two of the girls were hired on in the fourth quarter of 2006; one was hired on in April of 2007, and the fourth was hired on in December of 2007.
All completed required orientation and training required for the position of nursing assistant. They did not have any abuse-related disciplinary action in their files, until these incidents.
Mark Dickerson, communications director at Good Sam in Albert Lea, said administration informed family members of residents that it was conducting an internal investigation into allegations of possible resident abuse in May.
“At this point, individuals who were either deemed to be involved in the alleged abusive actions or had knowledge of the incidents and failed to report in a timely manner are no longer employed at the center,” Dickerson said.
The report stated the license for Good Sam in Albert Lea will not be revoked because of the corrective actions made early on by the nursing home administrators.
Mark Anderson, administrator of Good Sam Albert Lea, said Thursday: “I’m very proud of the people I work with. They work very hard to go forward each day.”
Despite the positive news for the nursing home, the report stated that the findings about the girls’ behavior are being submitted for possible inclusion on a state abuse registry. The girls will be notified of their right to challenge the findings.
The Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea has more than 55 years of history providing care in the Albert Lea area.
There are 230 Good Samaritan Society locations nationwide, with several across Minnesota. Its full name is the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, but it is not part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The nonprofit company is based in Sioux Falls, S.D.
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Comments
Posted by Wildbill (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Better pay would be a good thing and so would a thank you be a nice gesture. But, that's no excuse for abusing and
sometimes stealing from helpless residents. It's not their
fault that we have poor administrations in some cases.
The residents pay alot of money to receive the necessary care.
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure hope these girls get a punishment out of this. I hope their grandparents and parents have a darn good talking to them. They actually should get an old fashioned spanking!
Posted by ljg (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
maybe the girls should have to register as sex offenders
Posted by tmfresh (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those girls identity should not be protected. If they do something like that is so horrible why should they be protected.
Posted by pamam (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it dose not surprise me that albertlea police have not charged those girls , albertlea police has got to be the bumbest police force and strom is the worse they pick you up for walking and try to press chargers for nothing but in this case there is a reason and they wont do a dam thing whats it going ot take for the state of minnesota to look at the dum albertlea police force i feel for the albertlea people hope you never need their help
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pamam,
It's not up to the police to file charges, it's up to the DA or County Attorney. I think our police force does a good job, maybe you should ride around with them for a month.
Posted by purduekelli (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These girls are SICK! Do they not have grandparents? Would they want someone abusing their family members? The residents at the nursing home, regardless of age or mental capacity, are HUMAN BEINGS. I'm a firm believer in the phrase, "what goes around comes around". Maybe they should be pinned down and put through the torture these poor elderly people endured! I can guarantee it'd be no laughing matter then!!! I hope the families of those abused fight for their loved ones!
Posted by metisman (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Craig Nelson,
Prosecute these abusers to the fullest extent of the law. Now! No names withheld, no deals, no community service. Firm, swift justice is called for in these cases.
Posted by Momma23 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This makes me sick to my stomach. I have a grandmother in a nursing home with Alzheimers and I cannot imagine what these family members are going through. These nursing home residents are still HUMAN BEINGS, regardless of their mental capacity right now. They still have FEELINGS and deserve to be treated with RESPECT. They have more than earned it in their lifetime. What is wrong with these girls and why are we protecting them by not releasing their names??? They need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. As much as I hate to say it, I agree with purdeuekelli-"what goes around comes around". Nobody should have to endure this kind of abuse, but these girls need to know what it would feel like. Maybe one day they will be in a nursing home....
Posted by mommy05 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats right! This case is absolutly disturbing and sickening! These girls need to be treated like adults in this case! Also the other employees that did nothing to report this should be punished for it too! They dont deserve any say in the matter they knew what they were doing was wrong! What do you call these sick people...SEX OFFENDERS!
Posted by jonboy (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the comments displayed. There is absolutely no reason for those women to do what they did to the resident's living at Good Sam. Likewise, there is absolutely no reason for their names to be withheld! I suppose "those in charge" do not want retaliation but let's face it, "We the People" deserve to know so that they are not working with our children or other elderly in the community.
Posted by addie (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pamam
How dare you talk about the ALPD like that? Did you know that we have one of the best detectives on the force in the state of MN? Frank Kohl is one of the most successful sex crime detectives in the state and has been reconized for the justice he has brought to the victims. Think about it? Why is it that Albert Lea has a low amount of reoccuring sex offenders, oh yeah, because he makes sure he knows where they are at all times. Get your information straight before you comment, Strom is not a detective!
Posted by anasgrammy (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
those teenage girls make me sick. how could you do something like that to someone who's not able to defend themselves. you are sick sick individuals. i agree with the others who say your names shouldn't be withheld. i think they should be plastered on the front page of the paper so you can be humiliated just like your victims were. my mother had alzheimers and was at good sam for many years. i'll tell you one thing. if you had done that to my mother you'd have had more than the police to deal with! there's many words that could describe you but they can't be printed.
Posted by Apesi (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a former Good Sam employee, I truley feel for the Residents, families and the other employees. Although it has been several years since I was an employee I have always had great repect for the nursing home and what it stands for. And in no way is the Good Samaritian Society of Albert Lea to blame. What these teenagers have done is unforgivable. And solely their responsiblity and blame. It brought me to tears that the state report was posted on the internet, but all of their documents are public reports. It made me even angrier to read what was reported. To have the disrespect for these people is unbleivable, and to intentionally choose residents that can't speak for themselves only proves they knew it was wrong prior to the first incident.
For the reports Good Sam, ALPD, and the health department handled it very professionally and appropriatley. If Minnesota is anything like Iowa not only will they be losing their CNA registration, but they should be charged with legal charges such as assault and battery. Not only will they never beable to work as CNA's again but they won't beable to work in any enviroment that involves care or direct contact of a child or dependent adult.
These teenagers have noone to blame but themselves. The sad is part is that people who were aware of the situation should have come forward sooner and ended this entire situation much sooner. I hope everyone out there who reads this will have the courage to stand up for what is right and report any situation that seems a little fishy.
My heart goes out to those victims and their familes, what a terrible way to find out the details to the incident with your loved ones.
Posted by wishfulthinking (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on those girls and shame on the other employees (“other employees indicated they had known about the behavior for a while, but didn’t know what to do”) and very sadly shame on the families who don’t visit often enough that they do not see these things happening to the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who cared for them as children. Trust me if you go to any nursing home at different hours of the day you will see things that are questionable at best, at least in my experience of three different homes in two states with two different loved ones. I question who trained these girls and left them with the impression that it was ok to abuse.
A big part of the blame goes to the doctors who prescribe Haldol, Seroquel and other drugs for these old folks whose bodies can’t take that kind of medication. Many who are on these drugs end up combative which then another drug is introduced into their system. Soon these patients are far goofier than the bit of dementia they had in the first place. Again shame on the families who don’t take the time to question medications and look them up for themselves. A plea to family members; please think back to before your loved one was on medication, is their memory and behavior worse now? Ask questions and look up the side effects! I did and my loved one leads a comfortable life on NO medication with only a bit of memory loss on what his meal had been on occasion. I might add my loved one was recommended by staff to be put on drugs "so he does not feel icky inside" because he had given his opinion on being allowed to stay in his room and not to have to socialize in their way." When we questioned him he said he felt fine and he did not want to bounce balloons like children. Then the doctor said "he should probably have meds" because he was confused sometimes. We trusted the doctor who then continued to add medications, until I started to look up statistics on the elderly and so called needed medications. Then I found that doctors give these meds based on what staff opinion is and families are told that this is needed. (In our case it was only one shift and one nurse and after meds were terminated there were no problems of Alzheimer's) No one pays attention to the side effects after the meds are given. Listen to your loved one and check everything out.
Working in a nursing home is a very high stress job and on occasion a job that anyone would feel the pressure of and yet many of us have high stress jobs and do not abuse. It is my belief that workers in nursing home situations should have shorter working hours instead of full days. More pay has nothing to do with it, as if you chose a profession you should know what it entails.
Posted by sicofit (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is, WOW, how did this happen? Nevermind whether these girls have grandparents, my question is what is going on in the home that they feel it's funny to abuse people. Doesn't matter the age. Do your parents care where you are, what you are doing, have they paddled your butt to remind you that you have to respect people no matter what you may think of them. If one of my children did this, they know that the court would have no punishment greater then the punishment they would receive from me. But then again I am a good parent and I have taught my children respect and they know better. I don't believe that these girls have ever suffered punishment for actions, otherwise they would have known better. It starts at home. And yes punish them as adults, that way it stays on their adult crime record. Shame on you girls and the ones who didn't report, you might as well have been standing right there with them, because, by you not reporting, you allowed it to continue. I think we need to go back to the good old days when kids were ACTUALLY held responsible for breaking the rules or the laws, instead of slapping their fingers and then telling them how loved they are. And yes I know who a couple of these girls are, my daughters told me right after it happened, because it was all over the high school, and their parents don't pay attention, shame on you too!!!
Posted by person1 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to the residents this happened to and their families. It has to be one of the hardest decisions to put a loved one in assisted living. You put all your trust in these homes (administration and staff) to take care of your familiy member because you cannot 24/7. God bless the hard workers who take care of the elderly, disabled etc., with the mindset these are someones parents, grandparents and so on and treating them with respect. What these works did is unforgiveble and they need to be punished to the fullest, anything less would be very wrong. Their names should not be protected. They were working in adult situations and should be acountable for their terrible actions. Their names should be posted so we know who these terrible people are and to keep people we know away from them. Who would want to be associated with them knowing what they had done. An example has to be made that this is not acceptable, not for any reason. After reading some of the alligations they should be charged with sex crimes as well. I am hoping to read in the Tribune that charges will be filed against all of the workers who did these terrible things and the others who knew but did nothing should also not be able to just walk away from this.
Just my thoughts.
Posted by purduekelli (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
addie/pamam - how about sticking to the subject at hand?! who cares about alpd or the detectives. i don't put them on a pedastal - they are human like the rest of us. they too make mistakes and occasionally do something good for the community.
let's support the families impacted by this horrific crime. innocent elders have been ABUSED by teenagers who are supposed to be the future of america! sad. with or without the alpd or detective whoever - the families need encouragement and support to fight for the rights of the victims - who are unable to fight for themselves.
Posted by 2gr8danes (Lori Meyer) on August 29, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I only hope that these girls are charged as adults and prosecuted in the same way as if they had abused children! This is in no way a reflection on the facility or the people that trained them. They made a decision to do something so sick and did it in a way that there was no one to dispute their stories! They thought it out and carried out acts that are nothing less than sexual abuse and should all be listed as sexual predators after a trial by their peers.
Posted by person1 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another note: Your right it starts at home.
Posted by stickfigure (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wishfulthinking-how do you blame the doctors for these young girls' actions? These girls made deliberate abusive actions on these defenseless residents of the nursing home. That is sick and twisted. Yes, we all need to be advocates for our loved ones in the nursing home, but lets put the blame where it lies. These girls know right from wrong. They chose to do the WRONG thing and abuse an eldery person who was unable to speak up or defend themselves. These girls need to be punished. I would like to convey my regards to the family members of the abused residents. I hope these girls get the punishment they deserve.
Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with alot of the others-don't just give these people a slap on the wrist with possible "misdemenor charges".Give them all 60 days straight in jail.No time off,etc.Also,yes...they should have to register as sex offenders,because that is what they are.Belive you me,if any one of us would do that,you'd be in jail-ankle monitor,& the whole nine yards.Just becuase of their age does'nt excuse their actions.Would you want to hire one of them to babysit for you.It won't stop here!!!!!Make examples of them !!!!
Posted by notinalanymore (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes lets get the names of this girls..They are just lucky they were not there when my dad was there, or they would have a long missable life ahead of them. I would make sure of that.
I don't care that they are under the age of 18. They better get punsihed as an adult, and if they don't then someone better explain to the public why they weren't.
Come on let get the names out there of these girls.. and get them charged...
What are you waiting for???
Posted by Soap (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Maggie22 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard about this last night and it actually made me physically ill. There is no way I can even begin to rationalize how these girls thought this was funny or alright to do. For Lord's sake these are old people who deserve respect not abuse. As everyone has said--these girls are sick. They absolutely need to be charged. If not, they go on with their lives as usual and can do the same thing to someone else. They can't be given that chance. They need to have consequences. They are not 9 or 10--they knew better at their age. The least that should happen to them is that they are registered sex offenders so people that decide to employ them later in life know what kind of people they are. I personally hope the "throw the book at them". This is one of the worst things I have ever encountered. How dare them!
I agree with the other posters that these four girls parents certainly did not do their job. Most families raise their children to respect the elderly not abuse them.
I still think that we are in good hands with the majority of teens coming out of school. We can't judge them all because of these four misfits.
I pray that the residents that were abused can learn to trust again after this. They didn't deserve this!!
Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This better not end up getting swept under the rug.Typical reasons in this town.....who they are(mommy & daddy have a "Name"-" "business"-who cares.Age....who cares,they broke the law.What would happen if an older employye was caught at this?????BOTTOM LINE IS...THEY BROKE THE LAW,THROW THE BOOK AT THEM & MAKE IT HURT.THOSE IN CHARGE FROM THE COUNTY-CITY -HOME & THOSE WHO DID WHO DID THIS....WHAT IF THIS WAS YOUR MOM-DAD-GRANDMA-GRANDPA-BROTHER-SISTER??????
Out come will be VERY interesting!!!!
Posted by norm (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This just can not be swept under the rug. These girls are old enough to work caring for our elderly population. They got paid, cashed their checks and knew exactly what was expected of them. Therefore they certainly are old enough to be charged (as adults) for the crimes they have committed. There are a lot of eyes on this one and it has to dealt with appropriately. Too many of us have loved ones in this type of atmosphere and it makes me sick to even think this could happen in our community. We all know better or should. I am embarrassed for the community. These girls are sex offenders and it must be dealt with. What are we going to do as the population ages and we have more and more people who need our care. It has to stop, and stop NOW!
Posted by JanFred (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When you place a loved one in a nursing home, it is YOU who must make sure they get the utmost care. You should never ignore their complaints or disregard their stories of abuse. The family of the woman who told them of her allegations should never passed it off as dimentia.
Who will listen to them if you don't? Wouldn't you listen to your children if they told you something was happening to them?
You should contact the Minnesota Ombudsman program if you every have any suspicion of abuse or neglect.
Posted by gloverink (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to see the names and pictures of the five girls who did this posted on the front page of every newspapers in the area. Preying on a vulnerable adult is against the law and they need to be charged out on this. They need to be registered as sex offenders and not allowed to provide direct care to anyone ever again. If my family member was abused by one of these girls, I would be demanding that action be taken immediately and if action was not taken to the fullest extent, I would be taking this to a higher level of authority.
Posted by bubba71887 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These types of stories are exactly what I fear most about getting older and infirm and being forced to live in a home. The actions of these girls deserve no "slap on the wrist" type of attitude. To prey on those who cannot defend themselves and to hold people down is pure sadism - nothing more, nothing less. Community service is not called for here, in my opinion. I doubt these girls would learn the necessary lessons from such service. Jail time seems to be called for instead. These actions are nothing short of deplorable and unconscionable.
Posted by wishfulthinking (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stickfigure, I do not blame the doctors for the actions of the girls, only for the actions that lead up to why these adults are vulnerable. I would be willing to place a bet that every one of those patients were on a mood altering drug. I am in agreement that this is abuse of the worse kind. If I were vindictive I would suggest these girls be made to take care of jail inmates on a wing with sex deviants and see what verbal and sexual abuse is all about. This was not funny, a joke or anything close to that. My comment about doctors being at blame for some of the situation is based on my experience with the medical profession and nursing home staff in other locations. In all three homes that I have dealt with you sign forms saying that your loved one can live there and have their own furniture if they wish, as well as keep as normal of life as they had at home. Then the changes start in the patient’s life such as moving them from table to table so that either it is every other gender or all males or some such system which confuses the elderly. Then they insist that the person play games or activities, no invitation to do so but a demand. They insist that baths and meals be done on their time (and don’t get me wrong it’s not only their right but convenient and prudent to do so) When the elderly complain because of change or about their rights, the home says that they are “being difficult.” Some staff complain constantly and never consider the feelings of the elderly patient. The doctor gets the complaints and even in some cases the nurses ask the doctor to recommend meds. Alzheimer’s is the diagnosis and routinely the types of drugs used for that have serious side effects. Many of these meds cause the elderly to become more forgetful and combative. No one considers that behavior as a side effect. I’ve seen it over and over again with our family members as well as other people. Way too many patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. These medications are so serious that you have to wean a patient off of them or they can die. Once we started believing the things our loved one told us, and observed the goings on and asked tons of questions we got our loved one off meds. It was the right thing to do for our father, but we had a terrible time of doing it. After all we went through; only one doctor stepped forward and said you are right about this.
Posted by harriet (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can not begin to understand why teenage employees would be placed in an Alzheimer's Ward. Most teenagers can barely make responsible decisions concerning them selves or their friends. I would never allow my own children to accept such a job at the ages these children are. In my opinion it is the same as putting a five year old in charge of a baby. State of MN has laws controlling the age a baby sitter has to be to care for babies but apparently none governing the experience required to care for volnerable/disabled people. There needs to be some laws put in place to protect these people further. I personally have experience with Alzheimer's ( three close relatives) there is no way I would ever leave a teenager to care for one them.
Posted by mycrazy8 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am appalled and sickened to see all the unconscionable atrocities perpetrated against our most vulnerable class of citizens. Yes, these girls should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for abusing vulnerable adults because they were in authoritative positions at the time. I am sure that the Vulnerable Adults Act applies in this case. In addition, the public has a right to know the names of the perpetrators. Protecting the identities of these girls puts society at risk more so than the reverse.
Posted by urgr82 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I worked for Good Sam in the 80's, and know that the management at that time were not interested in hearing about problems on the floor. Two Nurse aides composed a letter telling the nurse manager about some short-comings and things that were happening that they were not comfortable with. I got pulled into the office and accused of writing the letter - I knew that a letter had been written, but I did not read what was in it. Because I would not tell the office who wrote the letter, I was let go, and they did not pay me for the last two weeks I worked there. So, when I read about these charges, I thought same old-same old.
Posted by norm (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
urgr82 - It's not the 80's anymore..... and from the looks of it Management acted as soon as they knew. But from what I hear those monsters are only going to be charged with a gross misdemeaner... Now that is appauling. Who thinks that will deter anyone. Hello... there were admissions of guilt and key witnesses. More can be done to those monsters and more needs to be done to those sexual deviants. I'm so disappointed that they are looking at a slap when they should be looking at cold hard time..... The elderly brought us to where we are now and they are treated like this? Ugh !!!
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the families of the victims should sue those brats and sex offenders in civil court. What the heck is the matter with our judicial system anywhere. Not a good message at all.
Posted by troubled1 (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think one reader's idea of having these girls registered as sex offenders is a great idea. There are people on that register now that have done a lot less than these girls have done. Some of the victims of sex offenders, in some cases, are the supposed offender themselves and their victims continue to cry "wolf" with others who they are playing games with. It's a sad situation but our judges in this county play too many favorites.....and that is not good for anyone.
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
troubled1 - you are so right on about the judges in this county. They wonder why our youth keeps doing bad things, look at the message they are getting. Oh, it's okay, we'll just give you a slap on the hand and send you on your merry way.
Posted by free2bme (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Soap: Do you think the Director of Nursing is to blame for this? How would you expect someone to watch over every CNA or nursing staff every minute of every day. Once administration was aware of this situation they took action. They started the investigation before the media ever got involved in this. The bottom line is these CNA's are responsible for their own actions. Let's not blame somebody else. That's the problem with our society, push the blame on someone else so we don't have to take responsiblity. These CNA's were trained and informed of patient rights. It's not like they didn't know what they were doing was wrong.
Posted by cas54494 (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wishfulthinking and Soap-- you both obviously are very passionate about this situation, however you sound bitter. State and Federal regulations are very strict about the use of Haldol and all other psychopharmacological drugs used in nursing homes. Nurses do not just call doctors to get drugs and doctors won't agree to prescribe these types of drugs without just cause. There will always be families that do not understand or will not accept the changes that are going on medically with their loved ones. As far as the Director of Nursing, how would she find time to watch every CNA, be realistic. The state and federal regulations are so time consuming as well as day to day tasks that mostly involve talking with families about major medical issues affecting their loved ones no Director of Nursing has the time to micro-manage the CNA's. This nursing home responded appropriatly, they notified the local police department and state agencies required, did their own internal investigation and reported the findings to the correct people. That is the job of the Administrator and Director of Nursing and I applaud them for a job well done. On a final note,these girls need swift prosecution, as adults.
Posted by 3trees (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a bomb waiting to go off. Names are being floated all over are community as to who was involved. At this point no one knows for sure. before more innocent people are hurt, disclose the names and punish the offenders.
Posted by icare2 (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
True...this is a bomb waiting to go off...but my concern is that so much of this commenting on here is really to get the "dirt" on these girls and not really for the better of society. What would it prove if you all knew the names? This case is in the hands of the officials and that is where it should stay. Good Samaritan is and has been a very respected nursing home and I believe that they are trying to do their best. Maybe a lesson has been learned for all involved and hopefully there will be a change of staffing policy...no young girls working together etc. Now before you attack me I am not saying that they should be "let off the hook" but what happens to them should not be determined by people lashing out on the internet.
Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
icare2 ~ Not everyone is trying to dig up dirt, but I think the names should be released, they did the dirty crime and need to pay. It is pretty bad when the family members of the victims aren't even allowed to know who abused theeir family. One of them is working at another care facility, I would want to know names so as not to have her be my parents or grandparents caregiver. I have no sympathy for people that do this to someone.
Posted by appalled1974 (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe if names were released, it would take some pressure of Good Sams. Why should Good Sams reputation be drug through the mud if they did as they were supposed too.
Posted by katet (anonymous) on September 1, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Sam followed the protocol for reporting and investigating the abuse. The facility should not be held responsible for the actions of these girls.
What good is it going to do the general public knowing their names right now? If they are convicted of sexual abuse won't their names be placed on a registry of sex offenders and then they wouln't be allowed to work closely with children or the elderly would they?
Posted by brandy52 (anonymous) on September 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't even know where to begin. I work as a CNA in a nursing home in Iowa. When, I read the report on this, I was sick to my stomach. I cant believe that anyone would ever treat another human being like this. I can't imagine anyone ever treating any of my residents (or any other residents for that matter) is this way. I agree that these girls should get punished to the fullest of the law. I don't care how old they are. They are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. And they knew what they were doing was wrong. I also agree that their names should be made public. Why should we protect this girls, when they weren't concered with protecting the residents they were paid to protect. Those residents they were abusing are the ones that were paying their pay checks. I can't believe that people that knew this was going on, didn't have enough courage or brains to say something. There are some things that have been posted that I do not agree with. I dont not agree with the posts that say that it is the doctors, nurses, or DONs fault. It is not the doctors fault for prescribing drugs that he/she thinks will help the resident because what they are told from staff or family. The nurses and the DON can't do anything if they don't know that this is going on. They can't be with the CNAs all the time. The people that knew about this and didn't report it are very much to blame for that. I think that they should be punished as well. I also don't agree that it is the families fault for not knowing what was going on. How do you know that they didn't come see their family member everyday, but because of the residents Alzheimers they were not able to tell their family members what was happening to them. You cant blame anyone, but the girls that did this to the residents and the people who knew it was going on and didn't tell anyone. This is a horrible story and my heart goes out to the families of each and every resident. I just want people to understand that you can not judge every nursing home or CNA because of what these girls did. Everyone at my nursing home is sickened by what has happened here. There are some horrible people in this world, but there are also a lot of good ones out there, that will truly care for your family members. Like I said, I hope these girls get punished to the fullest of the law. And I hope that these residents are able to trust people again.
Posted by notinalanymore (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i totaly agree with 57boy
It depends on how they are as to what punishment they will get. They must be related to some one important,because they have not given out the names yet..
Good old Albert Lea ... and you wonder why people move away
Posted by milesaway (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
katet and anyone else thinking no one needs to know there names at this point. I work in a facility with elderly and these places are always hiring. It takes 3 - 4 months to get a background check back from the state and then if the crime isn't done in court you still won't know. Let at least facilities where these girls may apply know who they are. This is a huge problem and this is how abuse happens over and over again. It needs to be stopped right away before it can happen again. I have worked with the elderly for 30 years and I will say if I ever would hear of a co-worker abusing someone I would most likely be in jail before they would because that person would have physical marks on them and I sure wouldn't lie about what I did to that co-worker. These girls deserve justice now, this isn't serving any elderly justice by letting these girls walk around free.
Posted by katet (anonymous) on September 3, 2008 at 6:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Believe me, I want to know their names as much as anyone else. I work in a nursing home and cannot imagine the residents being subjected to such teatment. Dementia or not, all residents of any skilled care facility deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. It is their right and our duty. My grandparents were residents of Good Sam and recieved wonderful care. They are both gone now so I feel like the ladies and men I help care for ARE my grandparents.
Posted by asdfgh (anonymous) on September 3, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that, that must be one of the most terrible things I have heard in a long time. What is the matter with those girls, do they have to respect for anyone. I don't know what kind of person you would have to be to do something like that but as soon as there names are released they better know that the entire world, anyone that lives in Albert Lea or has heard about it thinks they are embarrassing, disappointting, disrespectful, and I hope that they will remeber for the rest of there lives, how many feelings they have hurt, how many people they have affected and how terrible they are. They are terrible awful people because they did a very bad thing. I hope they are fined, I hope it is put on there record forever so they I have to remember what they did, I also hope that they are sued and I hope they go to jail!!
Posted by blackcherry (anonymous) on September 3, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Press charges ASAP they deserve more than a slap on the wrist. What those girls did is beyond a teenage prank. They are sex offenders.
By not releasing the names of these girls makes it seem like their welfare is a bigger concern than that of the victims, this whole thing is a powder keg!
Posted by realtree (anonymous) on September 4, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seems one of these girls is working in iowa now! what a
shame that they can go on to work at another place given
what has been discribed. makes me sick just to think about
what these residents had to endure! sure hope they
charge them before they get more victom's!
Posted by rn3 (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, 2 of the parents of these kids work at that facility. And since their names are not made public, other nursing homes will not have the info needed at this time when they hire. Back ground checks take up to several months in some cases. Two of these girls are working at nursing homes in the North Ia area. Sad isn't it?
Posted by jedlightning (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm at a loss for words which doesn't happen very often in my life. My parents were both a part of this awful abuse. My mother has since died and now find out she too was part of this. SHAME on those girls. My mom was the most loving, giving, singing person you will ever meet; however, she did have dementia and yes those are the ones they target. My father has Alzheimers and was also targeted. His was involving sexual acts; its just about too much to handle. He gave to this community, church, helped anyone in need all of his life until this dreaded disease took over him. What a way for him to live his last days?? These girls need to be labeled. Not be able to teach our children, work with disabled people, daycares and the list goes on. I've read the 14 page report its DISGUSTING>>>>
Please keep us all in your prayers. My parents taught us to forgive and forget - never have enemies???
Posted by jojo (anonymous) on September 6, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't imagine the pain these families are going through.
Posted by hurricane2005 (Karina Amundson) on September 8, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i too agree with a lot of whats been posted. i think they should be named and charges should be brought agaisnt them. no one in there right mind could do something like this. and i definitely dont think they should be aloud to work in the health care field!
Posted by crzy_mama2mny (anonymous) on September 10, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that they should name these people and put a sign in their yard. Send out alerts and flyers so that people know that they are living in the same neighborhood with a sick freak.
Posted by Todd (anonymous) on September 13, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crzy_mama has a good point, and leads to another valid point which hasn't been mentioned. Of these people that were minors, why aren't we holding parents responsible like we did 40+ years ago? Many parents today feel no sense of responsibility for their child's acts whether it be this nature or vandalism, burglary, shoplifting, or any other crime. If they did, things like this would be less frequent. If these children knew that their parents would be publicly humiliated and held financially responsible for their acts, I bet that at least some parents would concentrate more on moral values during the child-raising process.
Posted by tuscarora (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The two girls older than 18 have been identified on drudge via thesmokinggun.com. They are Brianna Broitzman of Albert Lea and Ashton Larson also of Albert Lea. This now has national media coverage. Well done girls. You should be ashamed!
Tuscarora
Posted by Ihhcf4y (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My mother was in a nursing home for a while. It's easy to see how they could get taken advantage of particularly with Alzheimers'. Try them as adults for the perverts they are!
Posted by Unbelievable (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those SICK girls need the book thrown at them!!!! But will this happen you have 1 friend in the court system it wont come out right. One of the girls parents are friends with the judge. They need to bring in a different one dont ya think???
Posted by Mrss (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I live over 1,000 miles from your community. If it feels like the whole world is watching, it's because we are.
A few thoughts:
#1.) According to an official report I read, three of the patients that these women (not girls, they're adults, mind you) tormented mercilessly are now dead. If the strain caused by this abuse contributed to their deaths, perhaps there are more charges to press.
#2.) If you want to read the official reports - here they are:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/d...
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/yea...
If you live in that community, the county attorney's salary comes out of your pocket. If you have an opinion about how he's handling this, don't forget, he works for you - here's his email. craig.nelson@co.freeborn.mn.us
The good people in the world have to stick together and rise up against the senselessness of our times.
God Bless.
Posted by anonyworker (anonymous) on March 3, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dont be fooled. i work at a good samaritan and this stuff goes on all the time.
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