"What If That Was You?" Daughter of Sodus Nursing Home Resident Speaks Out About Alleged Neglect

A Mother's Struggle and the Alleged Neglect at Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

In the small town of Sodus, New York, a heartbreaking story is unfolding that has sparked outrage among residents and family members. Lekeisha Denman-Duvall, a mother from Auburn, is now considering legal action against the Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after she claims her non-verbal mother has been subjected to years of neglect and poor care.

Denman-Duvall has been visiting her mother, who has lived at the facility for nearly a decade, and has witnessed a decline in the quality of care over the years. She describes the current state of care as the worst it has ever been, which has left her deeply hurt and frustrated.

Each time Denman-Duvall visits, she says she finds her mother in distressing conditions. According to her, her mother often appears to have not been showered, dressed, or groomed properly. This includes basic tasks such as hair brushing and nail trimming, which are essential for maintaining dignity and hygiene.

During her most recent visit, Denman-Duvall described the experience as heart-wrenching. She found her mother sitting in her own feces, with the waste dried up on her back and spread throughout the room. She had to clean it herself, something she believes should be the responsibility of the nursing home staff.

Denman-Duvall claims that the alleged mistreatment is not an isolated incident but rather a widespread issue within the facility. She asserts that every resident is being treated poorly, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Community Outcry and Legal Action

In recent weeks, concerns about the conditions at the Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center have been amplified by family members of current residents and former employees who have taken to social media to voice their frustrations. Many have shared stories of unsanitary and inhumane treatment, leading some to take legal action against the facility’s management.

According to records from the New York State Supreme Court, there is currently one active lawsuit listing the Sodus Rehabilitation & Nursing Center as a defendant in a neglect case. Additionally, another lawsuit is pending, indicating ongoing legal challenges related to the facility.

Over the past four years, the New York State Department of Health has received 175 complaints about the nursing home. The facility has a dismal 1 out of 5-star rating on the department's website, reflecting the serious concerns raised by residents and their families.

Calls for Change and Improved Conditions

As Denman-Duvall works towards transferring her mother to a different facility, she hopes to see improvements in the conditions at the Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She expresses frustration over the lack of care and compassion shown by the staff, questioning how they can neglect the residents under their care.

“What if that was you? Your mother? Your sister or your child?” she asks, emphasizing the emotional toll of the situation.

The Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is owned and operated by Personal Healthcare LLC, a health management company based in Kings County, New York. This company oversees more than a dozen facilities across the state.

In response to the community concerns, officials from the Sodus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provided a statement to News 8. They emphasized their commitment to working with law enforcement and the State Department of Health to ensure resident safety and preserve the dignity and rights of those in their care. However, they declined to provide any additional comments at this time.

The Need for Accountability

This situation highlights the urgent need for accountability and improved oversight in nursing homes across the country. As families continue to voice their concerns and seek justice, it is crucial that regulatory bodies and the public remain vigilant in ensuring that all residents receive the care and respect they deserve.

Lekeisha Denman-Duvall's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy and the impact that one individual's voice can have in bringing attention to systemic issues. Her determination to fight for her mother and others in similar situations is a testament to the strength and resilience of families facing these challenges.