Nursing Home Closes Following Investigation

Around 130 residents will soon have to move from their home at Whispering Pines after an investigation shed light on state and federal deficiencies, prompting the home to close its doors.

Thursday, February 12th 2009, 9:26 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLHAOMA CITY -- About 130 residents will soon have to move from their home at Whispering Pines after an investigation shed light on state and federal deficiencies, prompting the home to close its doors.

The investigation was launched after 60-year-old Carol Crow was hospitalized with bruises, allegedly at the hands of a Whispering Pines employee.

The allegedly beaten 60-year-old's family and friends were outraged, demanding an investigation.

"What was happening was an aberration, it was horrific what was happening to the people in this nursing home," said Wes Bledsoe of advocacy group A Perfect Cause.

While no employees have been charged in the Crow case, with Bledsoe's help, the investigation continues by the state health department.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health turned over a 370 page report listing 28 state and federal deficiencies by the nursing home and a claim that an HIV positive resident had unprotected sex with a female patient.

Read more about the report highlighting the problems within the Whispering Pines Nursing Home.

A spokesperson for Whispering Pines wouldn't comment on the findings, but did say their doors shouldn't have to close.

"We did not have enough time to demonstrate that we had corrected the problems that lead to our closing," Director of Operations Janet Swisher said.

Swisher said if the nursing home had adequate time, they wouldn't be forced to close.

"If we had been given the opportunity, we could have cleared those differences by the health department," Swisher said.

A spokesperson at Whispering Pines said they cut their own funding due to the issues that arose from the investigation. They said they were closing their doors in an attempt to avoid legal issues.

Those residing at the nursing home will now have to find a new home.

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