Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Linda Kincaid Reports: Elderly Woman Falsely Imprisoned by Johnston County, North Carolina

Eighty-year-old Gloria Bathgate found herself prisoner of a Johnston County, North Carolina guardianship just days after she arrived in the state. Gloria was falsely imprisoned and unlawfully isolated at Oakview Commons Assisted Living Center near Raleigh.

Gloria’s story is similar to the story of Hugh Johnson, victimized by a guardian in neighboring Wake County. Similar stories of guardian abuse in adjacent counties should raise concerns about oversight and accountability in the North Carolina guardianship system.

Gloria’s care at Oakview was dismal, just as Hugh’s care at Blue Ridge Nursing Home was dismal. Gloria had several falls in the first few days and many unexplained bruises. Denied any contact with her daughter, Gloria’s physical and mental condition declined rapidly.

Fall 2012
Susan’s tenacity in seeking help for her mother eventually led her to the Mayor’s office in Charleston, South Carolina. Janet Schumacher of the Mayor’s Office on Aging was the first government employee in two years to lend a sympathetic ear and take action to help. Bewildered as to why Gloria was under guardianship, the Office on Aging facilitated Gloria’s escape from Oakview Commons and Johnston County.

Schumacher connected Susan with individuals who arranged for Gloria’s transfer to a skilled nursing facility in South Carolina. Gloria arrived in terrible physical condition, debilitated and in severe need of medical care. But Gloria was finally free of the abusive facility and farther from Shannon West.

The nightmare continues, however. Shannon West and Johnston County DSS object to Susan filing complaints about the abuse and sharing Gloria’s story with the media. Almost daily, Johnston County DSS threatens Susan that they will again take her mother from her.

Hugh Johnson’s only escape from guardianship was death. He was so neglected and abused by guardian Cheryl Theriault of Raleigh-based Aging Family Services that he did not recover. Hugh’s daughter Ginny Johnson vows to tell his story so guardians are held accountable for abusing elders and destroying families.

Full Article and Source:
Elderly Woman Falsely Imprisoned by Johnston County, North Carolina

See Also:
Linda Kincaid Reports: North Carolina War Hero: Victim of Elder Abuse by North Carolina Guardian

4 comments:

Joannie said...

Just days after she arrived in NC? I'm betting the family had a lousy lawyer who let the other side walk all over Mrs. Bathgate

Anonymous said...

Part of the pattern. There is a definite pattern of operation nationwide. The protection industry has it all down knowing what works and they have it all scripted - anyone who studies these cases can see the deception. This is big big big business with many areas for profit along with many oportunites to profit 'off the record'. The IRS is losing money, big money so do you care? You should. Every American is affected by this con game. I strongly suggest paying close attention to where your horror story will show up unless you, we demand oversight, accountability and harsh consequences for falisifying records, lying in court documents, inflated billing while many of these wards are drugged to an early death and so much more.

SandUp said...

Thank you, Linda Kincaid, for all you are doing for other victims.

Betty said...

It so very sad what Gloria Bathgate is enduring. All people want the love, support, and comfort of their relatives when they get old or down and out. Mrs. Bathgate deserves her family.