KINDERHOOK — A Colonie woman has filed a complaint with the state Department of Health against Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell in Valatie, alleging that her late sister was neglected, not given her proper medication and did not receive attention to basic hygienic needs while there.
Laurie Schuch’s sister, Linda Bonesteel, moved into the Columbia County nursing home in September 2023 with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and seizures. Her physical and cognitive functions had begun to decline due to brain cancer that first appeared 23 years earlier, so she required physical therapy and regular care, Schuch said.
Schuch told the Times Union that when she would visit Bonesteel, her sister “was never clean,” hadn’t had her teeth brushed and couldn’t remember the last time she had a shower. Schuch also alleged that Bonesteel did not have fresh water or her phone within reach and her call button was always on the floor. Bonesteel, who was a fall risk, also did not receive a recliner wheelchair or bed rails, Schuch alleged…