Data Discrepancy At La Grange-Area Facilities

LA GRANGE, IL — Plymouth Place, a nursing home and assisted living facility in La Grange Park, does not show up on the state's list as having any coronavirus cases or deaths.

But the Cook County Medical Examiner's office's reports tell a far different story. The facility, 315 N. La Grange Road, suffered five deaths related to the coronavirus from April 25 to May 5, the reports say. The victims ranged in age from 73 to 94.

A few days ago, Meadowbrook Rehabilitation in La Grange showed up on the state Department of Public Health's list for the first time. According to the figures, Meadowbrook, 339 Ninth Ave., has had 15 coronavirus cases and three related deaths.

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But medical examiner's numbers indicate the nursing home has suffered five coronavirus-related deaths, with victims from 60 to 85. The first death was March 28 and the most recent on May 4, the examiner's reports say.

In an email Monday night, Plymouth Place spokeswoman Trish Leurck said her agency only reports cases of those residents who originate in skilled care, as is required, "which appears to present the conflict in what you have reported and what actually occurs." She said her home has followed reporting requirements within deadlines. The facility has sections for memory care, skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living. She did not indicate how many coronavirus cases and deaths that Plymouth Place counted.

Meadowbrook spokeswoman Marissa Kaplan said all nursing homes must turn in coronavirus-related information to the local health department, which must submit it to the state.

"We are unable to comment as to the accuracy of this information in their respective reporting systems," she said in an email.

County and state reports indicate Lexington of La Grange and The Grove in La Grange Park have had no coronavirus cases or deaths.

Asked about the discrepancy in the numbers, the state Department of Public Health said data for long-term cases and deaths are reported into two electronic systems — the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System and the Outbreak Reporting System.

The long-term care facilities first notify local health departments, which then inform the state, but there can be a lag time, according to the department's statement to Patch. Such facilities must take measures to control outbreaks, so reporting numbers "is not the most important function and can wait while the facility and public health focus on resident safety and care."

The state's numbers include both confirmed and presumed cases.

Plymouth Place is rated "much above average," according to Medicare's website. Meadowbrook is rated average overall.