'He didn't go in there to die!' Grieving widow sues Bronx rehabilitation center for neglect
Robert Spadacini was admitted to ArchCare at Providence Rest, a nursing home and rehabilitation center on Nov. 23, 2023. He died about two months later.
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A widow says that what was supposed to be a two-week stay at ArchCare at Providence Rest, ended up being a death sentence for her husband.
On Nov. 23, 2023, 85-year-old Robert Spadacini was admitted to ArchCare at Providence Rest, a nursing home and rehabilitation center. The facility is operated by the Archdiocese of New York.
His wife, Mary Ann Spadacini, said he was there to get physical therapy following an outpatient procedure in the hospital. She said her husband was in relatively good health for his age.
"He had no other issues. None whatsoever," she said.
Records claim the facility was unable to give Robert physical therapy because he had hypotension, or low blood pressure. Mary Ann Spadacini said the facility continually refused to get Robert out of bed.
"I said, 'OK, well, you know, then don't you do something at bedside? Move him? Set him up? Move his legs? Sit him in a chair?' No, they never did any of that," she said.
According to the National Library of Medicine, physical therapy is sometimes used to treat low blood pressure.
Medical records from Providence Rest show Robert's health quickly began to decline.
On January 12, 2024, Robert was admitted to Jack D. Weiler Hospital. He died 12 days later on Jan. 24.
Mary Ann is suing ArchCare at Providence Rest for neglect and malpractice.
"Do you provide services or care that the person needs? And if you withhold those for any reason, and the person suffers, that's neglect," said Michael Hill, a nursing home abuse lawyer, and Mary Ann's attorney.
The lawsuit alleges Robert Spadacini's health rapidly declined during his stay at ArchCare at Providence Rest, leading to his death.
The lawsuit reveals Robert contracted a " bacterial infection, multi-lobar pneumonia, sepsis, bedsores, ulcers" and more while in the care of Providence Rest.
Mary Ann said she was not made aware of any of these ailments while Robert was alive. She learned about these health complications in documents from the facility, after Robert died.
"I said, 'You know what? You've got to be held accountable'... my God, they took my husband away!" said Mary Ann Spadacini.
News 12 reached out to the Archdiocese of New York for comment. A spokesperson for ArchCare said:
"Delivering excellent care with grace and compassion to all who come to our doors is the very heart of our mission at ArchCare at Providence Rest. The safety and well-being of every resident for whom we are privileged to care is always our priority. Unfortunately, privacy laws prevent us from discussing the individual medical circumstances or care of a particular resident. We take all concerns about care seriously and investigate them thoroughly, as we have in this case, guided by the values that animate our ministry. We believe the suit is meritless and look forward to responding in court."
If you, or someone you know, has had a similar experience with ArchCare at Providence Rest, reach out by emailing News12BX@news12.com.
