Center denies entry to Pearl Harbor vet after family complains

[unhappycamper]

Center denies entry to Pearl Harbor vet after family complains
posted by: Dan Boniface , Web Producer
created: 2/24/2008 2:14:19 PM
Last updated: 2/24/2008 2:16:44 PM

WALSENBURG (AP) - A veteran who narrowly escaped death at Pearl Harbor has been denied hospitalization at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home because his family complained about his treatment during previous stays.

Elroy Martinez, 88, suffers from dementia and Alzheimer's, and caring for him his overwhelming his wife, Stella, who is 83. "It's killing me," she told the Pueblo Chieftain.

Officials at the center say they have a right to refuse patients, and wonder why if his care was inadequate before his family wants him to return. He was last admitted in December 2006 and stayed for six days.

Nancy Corsentino, director of nursing at the facility, said the family claimed he was abused, and may even have been sexually abused. Corsentino said she investigated immediately, questioning everyone who came into contact with Martinez.

"We take abuse very seriously around here," Corsentino said. She determined that a bruise he suffered most likely occurred after he returned home.


Rest of article at: http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=86987