Anonymous caller uncovers cover up

This article shows how some employees will not cover up neglect and abuse in nursing homes unlie the majority who are more loyal to their corporate masters than the residents they are bound to protect.

June Dankert was 87 and in good health when she died May 10. For the previous two years, she lived at the Tendercare Nursing Home in Hastings.  Her family said she wrote dozens of letters to loved ones each week to help keep her mind sharp.

After the funeral, an anonymous phone call raised questions.

June’s daughter, Kay Trantham, told 24 Hour News 8 a woman from Tendercare called to tell the family how Dankert really died.  “When you go into a coma with no apparent reason, you do wonder,” Trantham said. “Apparently, she was given her roommate’s hospice medication.”

The caller told Trantham there was a delay in getting her mother to the hospital, followed by a cover-up.

Documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8 from the state Department of Community Health divulge more, and confirm dates and stories about “resident number 402” – Dankert’s resident number in paperwork provided from the state to Trantham.

The investigation shows multiple citations because Resident 402 was given medication meant for someone else. Resident 402 soon lapsed into a coma and died. Family and emergency room doctors were not notified of the mistake.

Records also show conflicting nurse notes on May 9, from the early morning to the afternoon when Resident 402 was finally taken to the hospital.