The family of a 92-year-old woman, whose ear was infested with nearly 60 maggots, is filing a lawsuit against her nursing home, citing negligence and emotional distress.
Catherine McCann, who has severe Alzheimer’s and is unable to communicate or care for herself, resides in a skilled nursing home at a cost of $10,000 per month, paid for by her husband.
While under the care of the Lutheran Home for the Aged in Arlington Heights, a fly reportedly entered her ear canal and laid eggs that developed into 57 maggots.
John McCann, her 88-year-old husband, expressed his dismay, stating, ‘I was horrified, shocked. I thought it was terrible. I’m paying all this money for that kind of care — no way.’
‘After entrusting them with $270,000 of my hard-earned savings…not even a note or a phone call.’
He learned from the nursing home staff that the first indication of a problem arose when Mrs. McCann began tugging and scratching at her left ear.
Upon closer examination, a nurse discovered the larvae in her ear, resulting in immediate transportation to the hospital.
Surgeons extracted 57 maggots from her ear, one already making its way out, and recorded a videotape to document the incident.
Mary, Mrs. McCann’s daughter, shared: ‘It’s an image I will never erase from my mind – ever. I could hear her screaming as they removed the maggots.’
Analysis of the maggots suggested they had been in her ear for two to three days.
Due to an enlarged ear canal from a surgery decades ago, Mrs. McCann requires regular ear flushing or antibiotics to prevent infections.
Just nine days prior to this horrific finding, a doctor examined the 92-year-old for wax buildup and recommended ear drops four times daily.
Staff at the nursing home claimed she received these drops the night before the discovery, a statement challenged by the family’s attorney.
Henry Guss raised concerns: ‘I’m questioning whether or not she received the medication in that left ear during this time. How can you administer drops to an ear containing 57 maggots?’
The nursing home administrator, Phillip Hemmer, mentioned that a staff member trained in infectious diseases visited the family at the hospital but asserted that he believes the staff acted appropriately.
He posited that the maggots might not have been visible until the day of the discovery.
Upon inspection by an exterminator, no signs of flies were found in the home, with officials suggesting the fly may have entered when Mrs. McCann was outside for a walk.
The Illinois Department of Public Health concluded that there were no violations in this case.
Mrs. McCann’s family arranged for her transfer to another nursing home immediately.
by Robbo Green
