Understaffed Elder Care

Salem, OR: (Jan-24-08) Several class action lawsuits were brought against Sunwest Management, by elder care authorities with the California Department of Justice, alleging that its elder care homes in California and Oregon were understaffed. The Salem company, which operates 280 senior housing facilities in 38 states, said that it has reached settlements in two class action lawsuits, resolving allegations. Company officials stated that the company has settled the California and Oregon class action lawsuits for a total payout of $5.5 million. The settlement stated that residents who opt into the settlement would be entitled to a credit on their account or a check if they are no longer at a Sunwest facility. [STATESMAN JOURNAL: ELDER CARE SETTLEMENTS]