Haverford nursing home loses license over elder abuse

The family of Lois McAllister, a 78-year-old dementia patient, used a hidden camera to catch nursing-home workers physically abusing her, making her stand partially naked in front of them, and taunting her when they visited her room in late March.

The 12-minute video prompted an investigation by the state Department of Public Welfare, and the agency yesterday stripped Sunrise Continued Care, the parent company of the nursing home, of its license to run the home.

Ronald Melusky, acting DPW director, said in a letter to the company that the investigation revealed gross incompetence, negligence and misconduct at the Quadrangle, the Haverford nursing home McAllister was living in when she was abused.

"They violated the most basic tenets of trust and respect for their residents," said Andrew Duffy, an attorney representing McAllister's family.

Sunrise said that it has appealed the revocation and that it is cooperating closely with authorities.

Sunrise's losing its license would be a hollow victory for McAllister's family, attorney Robert Mongeluzzi said yesterday.

"Although they're glad, they worry about the residents left behind," he said.

The company runs 22 assisted-living facilities throughout the state, according to DPW.

Three aides are charged in Delaware County Court with aggravated assault, neglect of a care-dependent person and other crimes.

Daily News wire services were used in this report