ATLANTA, Ga. – The wife of a 73-year-old Alzheimer’s patient is demanding answers from an assisted living facility in Marietta after her husband wandered away. Lamar Jones, a U.S. military veteran, was diagnosed with the disease in 2016. Concerned for his safety, his wife Sue Jones moved him into Brickmont Assisted Living West Cobb’s memory care unit. However, after just eight days, Lamar managed to escape through an unsecured window. He walked two and a half miles before seeking help at a nearby Kroger store. Sue Jones claims that despite her husband’s condition and injuries, Brickmont West Cobb allowed him to return. But soon after, she received a shocking call from the facility, informing her that they could no longer care for him. Sue Jones has filed a complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health, citing negligence. Brickmont West Cobb has yet to comment on the matter. Sue Jones is seeking legal action and aiming to provide a voice for her husband, advocating for his dignity and respect.
This heartbreaking incident has raised concerns about the level of care provided by Brickmont Assisted Living West Cobb. Sue Jones highlighted the compassionate nature of her husband, describing him as the kindest, nicest human being ever. Despite informing the facility about Lamar’s tendency to wander and providing documentation from his doctor, he managed to escape via an unsecured window.
In an interview, Lamar Jones expressed his desire to leave the facility, revealing that he used a bench to scale a 12-foot fence and wandered along Dallas Highway in Marietta. The challenges faced by Alzheimer’s patients, such as confusion and fear, were evident in Sue Jones’ statements, who emphasized her husband’s vulnerability.
Following his return, Sue Jones found herself in a state of shock when Brickmont West Cobb refused to keep Lamar Jones. The reason given was that he had raised a shade to a window. However, a police bodycam video revealed that Lamar Jones had no behavioral issues apart from hallucinations. Sue Jones believes that her husband was mistreated and deserves better care. She paid over $5,000 in October’s rent and requested a partial refund for the days her husband was not at the facility, totaling $2,400.
Upon receiving a response from the Department of Community Health, Sue Jones was reassured that her complaint was supported. The department pledged to hold the facility accountable for its failure to provide safe care. Brickmont West Cobb has yet to address these concerns, despite multiple requests for comment. Frustrated with the situation, Sue Jones has hired an attorney and intends to file a lawsuit based on the grounds of negligence.
Lamar Jones’ unfortunate experience sheds light on the importance of proper care and understanding for Alzheimer’s patients. Sue Jones stands as Lamar’s fierce advocate, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect for her husband. She hopes to initiate change not only for herself and Lamar but also for other individuals facing similar circumstances.
