Family of deceased brain cancer patient sues La Crescenta care facility, alleging elder abuse, negligence

A La Crescenta nursing facility is being sued by the family of a 70-year-old brain cancer patient who died after spending a month at the facility, court records show.

The son and husband of Calliopi Chaldaris sued the Verdugo Vista Healthcare Center last week, alleging that operators ignored the woman’s risk for pressure sores, often took more than an hour to respond to calls for service and made her wear diapers that were too small, according to their attorney and the Los Angeles County Superior Court complaint.

Her husband reportedly even paid tips — $20 at a time — to staff members on the night shift to get them to take her to the bathroom or change her diaper, said attorney Bill Artigliere.

“These are the types of things she went through while she was there that, to me, were just beyond the pale, that no elder should have to go through,” Artigliere said.

The lawsuit alleges elder abuse, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, fraud and wrongful death.

Operators of the facility said they want to review the lawsuit before commenting on it.

During Chaldaris’ stay, caregivers also failed to properly administer her pain and antiseizure medications, the lawsuit claims. Her family allegedly had to hold her down afterward as she suffered multiple seizures and writhed in pain.

Additionally, Chaldaris developed pressure sores, as well as unexplained cuts and bruises on her body, the lawsuit states.

“These are things that should just not happen — it’s sickening to me,” Artigliere said.

Chaldaris checked into the facility on June 29, shortly after her brain cancer diagnosis, and she stayed there until “the chaos and emotional strain on the family became so unbearable” on July 25, according to the lawsuit.

She was taken to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, where she died a few days later, according to the complaint.

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Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek