Mustang Nursing Home Accused of Starving Residents

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

MUSTANG, Oklahoma – The state Health Department is raising concerns about a Mustang nursing home.

The health department has cited cleanliness, food, and the general well being of residents at the Mustang Manor Assisted Living Center.

Kay Emery, whose 92-year-old mother lives in Mustang Manor, complained that residents were being starved. Emery said she first noticed bruises on her mother's face and then a drop in weight.

"My mother has lost so much weight, and she's a small person," Emery said. "She's maybe not five-foot tall now, and she has lost so much weight her bones are protruding."

In the last two years the health department found has fined Mustang Manor more than $35,000.

Health officials said more fines are coming because since February inspections have found 27 deficiencies in nutrition and sanitation. Meanwhile Mustang police have investigated reports of crime at the center, including embezzlement.

"We received a call that a resident had actually written checks to a employee of the business and had them cashed to have the money returned to her, and she had not received those funds," said Mustang Police Capt. Willard James.

Mustang police said no criminal charges have been filed, but two employees suspected in the embezzlement investigation were fired.

The Health Department said some of the problems have been cleaned up but others remain.

The Health Department said Mustang Manor has 30 days to correct the nutrition and sanitation problems.

Kay Emery says she will continue to look out for her mother's well-being.

"Most people complain but don't do anything about it, so we are, we're trying to do something about it," Emery said.

Officials at the Mustang Manor could not be reached for comment. However, the owner and administrator of Mustang Manor was quoted in the Mustang Times as saying that critics are making something out of nothing, and that she is working hard to get all of the problems cleared up.

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