Long-term patient in La Grange returning to Poland

Long-term patient in La Grange returning to Poland


By Becky Schlikerman, Chicago Tribune reporter
February 24, 2012

Barbara Latasiewicz, a Polish immigrant who has lived in a La Grange hospital for 21/2 years, will return to Poland under an arrangement approved by a Cook County judge Thursday.

She could be flown back to Poland as soon as Tuesday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Latasiewicz, 60, has been in the United States illegally after overstaying a visa. She ended up at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital in September 2009 after suffering a massive stroke while cleaning a home.

Her caretakers have been unable to find a place for her long-term care. She has no insurance or family that will care for her, and she doesn't qualify for public aid.

The hospital has been taking care of her for more than two years even though it is a short-term care facility. Her care has cost the hospital about $1.3 million, according to the spokeswoman.

But early this month the hospital was able to arrange placement for Latasiewicz in a stroke specialty unit at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, officials said. She has a brother in that city who can visit her.

Despite objections from the Office of State Guardian, which is Latasiewicz's legal guardian, Judge Cheryl Cesario agreed that Latasiewicz should not stay at the La Grange facility.

"This court finds without question that it is absolutely improper for a person to live in a hospital room," the judge said.

During a two-day hearing this week, Vanessa Bennett, an attorney for the guardian's office, said Latasiewicz has said she does not want to return to the country.

"She stated she does not want to go, but she will go if she has to," Bennett said. "We cannot stand by a petition to repatriate."

But Andrew Ligas, a Polish-speaking guardian ad litem, noted that Latasiewicz said in an interview Wednesday that she has "come to accept the possibility of a move." He added that Latasiewicz is bored in the hospital.

Latasiewicz's son, Peter, has declined to care for his mother because of his own financial troubles. A father of two, he has declared bankruptcy and lost his home. He told the judge his situation is still the same and that he is not able to care for her.

"I feel sad," the 36-year-old said after court, adding that he's unsure about the level of care his mother will receive in Poland.

A paramedic and her son will travel with Latasiewicz to Poland, but the trip has not been scheduled yet, said the hospital's lawyer, Joseph Monahan. The hospital estimates the trip will cost about $20,000.

The hospital "is pleased that Barbara will be able to continue her recovery at an exceptional medical facility that specializes in the treatment of stroke patients," said Richard Carroll, regional vice president and chief medical officer of Adventist Midwest Health.

Latasiewicz was not in court Thursday. She told the Tribune last fall that she knew she couldn't live in the hospital forever even though she considered the nurses, doctors and physical therapists family.

"At the end, I know I have to go," she said.

bschlikerman@tribune.com

Please read complete article at link below:


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-polish-immigrant-return-20120224,0,510641.story

Editor's note:  Wise and proper move Judge Cheryl.  Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com