Hearts Go Out to Those Involved, Senior Living CEO Says
“Our hearts go out to the residents and to their families,” says Benchmark Senior Living Chairman, CEO & President Thomas H. Grape, following an alleged incident of elder abuse at The Atrium at Faxon Woods, a memory-care community that Benchmark operates. As part of Benchmark’s zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse, the company will again reinforce with rigor its safety, security, and training procedures “ to ensure this will never happen again,” he said.
Benchmark received notification late Tuesday from an employee who reported witnessing physical and verbal abuse of several residents by a certified nursing assistant the previous Saturday. Benchmark immediately launched an internal investigation and notified the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Elder Affairs Ombudsman as well as the involved families on Wednesday.
Upon completion of the internal investigation, Benchmark again notified the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, contacted the Quincy Police Department, and immediately terminated the certified nursing assistant’s employment with Benchmark. Families of residents at The Atrium were informed of the allegations and management conducted repeat sessions on resident-abuse prevention for all staff.
“Everyone at The Atrium at Faxon Woods and Benchmark Senior Living is distressed to think that any resident could have been treated with anything less than the most loving and attentive care,” says Grape. “We are proud of The Atrium’s overall excellent record of care and this alleged incident saddens each one of us.
Grape noted that as part of its comprehensive zero-tolerance policy on abuse, associates are expected to report any actions they believe are out of alignment with Benchmark’s care practices. “We commend the employee who came forward with this report,” he said.
The Atrium at Faxon Woods provides special care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-impairing conditions. It is located at 2003 Falls Blvd., Quincy.
CONTACT:
Teri Marinko, (781) 626-1356
Audrey Knoth, (757) 404-7695 |
