Town hall meeting brings out concerns over possible other cases of elder abuse
By Sarah Stultz | Albert Lea Tribune
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Oklahoman founder of a national watchdog group for nursing homes and three Minnesotan advocates for the elderly told Albert Lea area residents Wednesday night that if they come together and make their voices heard, they can have the ability to affect major change for long-term care in this country.
During what was the second town hall meeting at the Albert Lea Inn regarding allegations of abuse from January to May last year at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, at least 50 area residents came out to seek expertise from Jean Patzner Mueller, with the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care; Jim Carey, the lawyer who is involved with the civil side of the alleged abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea; Mark Wandersee, executive director of nonprofit ElderCare Rights Alliance; and Wes Bledsoe, of A Perfect Cause, a citizens’ advocacy organization in Oklahoma committed to long-term care reform.
The town hall meeting was just a few hours following the arraignment of two Albert Lea High School graduates on charges of abuse of residents at the nursing home.
The two young women charged, Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson, both 19, did not enter pleas during the arraignment, but the judge did set bail and conditions of release.
They had until 5 p.m. to post bail. Both did so.
They will next appear before the court March 23.
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