Personal Trainer's Legal Battle Over Luxury Nursing Home 'Kidnapping' Allegations
A New York City personal trainer has ignited a fierce legal confrontation after accusing an exclusive Manhattan nursing home of effectively "kidnapping" his wealthy 91-year-old friend. The case centres on Eric Houston, a 69-year-old former concert pianist, and his client Diana Multare, whose attempted move into The Apsley—a facility charging a staggering $28,000 per month—unravelled into allegations of wrongful restraint and fraud.
From Gym Sessions to Legal Action
The extraordinary saga began in May when Multare, a long-time client of Houston's at an Equinox gym on Manhattan's Upper West Side, suffered a heart attack. Houston, having known her as fiercely independent during their workouts, grew concerned after visiting her apartment. He discovered years of unopened mail, unpaid bills, and bank statements, leading him to fear her failing memory might cause her to miss vital medications. "I was concerned every night that she was going to die," Houston told the New York Times.
In an effort to secure her safety, Houston researched local care options and identified The Apsley, a luxury assisted living residence near Multare's home. The facility promises gourmet meals, high-quality medical care, and a lavish lifestyle tailored for New York's elderly elite. Initially, it appeared an ideal solution. Multare, though reluctant to leave the apartment she had occupied since 1976, agreed to move on the condition she could return whenever she wished.
A Financial Revelation and Swift Regret
Despite initial reservations about the exorbitant fees, both were astonished during a joint visit to Citibank. Clerks revealed Multare held approximately $3 million across various accounts—far exceeding the half-million she believed she possessed. This substantial sum made The Apsley's costs feasible. However, Multare's stay was brief. Within a single day, she expressed a desire to leave, finding the opulent environment "too fancy" and yearning for her familiar home.
The situation deteriorated rapidly when she attempted to depart. Houston alleges that staff at The Apsley refused to let her leave, insisting she suffered from dementia and even attempting to transfer her to the facility's dementia ward. This action heightened Houston's fears, particularly after a gym client shared a harrowing account of her father being "virtually imprisoned" in a similar ward at a Boston nursing home. In Houston's view, The Apsley "were trying to kidnap" his friend.
Legal Standoff and Conflicting Assessments
Houston and Multare subsequently filed a lawsuit in the State Supreme Court in Manhattan, accusing The Apsley and its operator, Sunrise Senior Living, of wrongful restraint, fraud, and defamation. The nursing home has vehemently denied all allegations. A spokesperson for Sunrise Senior Living stated, "We disagree with and will defend against the characterizations and allegations. We take the privacy, safety and security of our residents very seriously."
The dispute triggered a tense six-day standoff. The Apsley eventually waived all charges for Multare's brief stay, though the lawsuit proceeds. The facility's staff reported initial suspicions, noting Houston checked Multare in with only a bag of T-shirts and no apparent underwear or personal belongings—a point Houston countered by explaining he later collected more items from her home.
Power of Attorney and Memory Disputes
A critical element of the conflict involves power of attorney. With no living relatives, Multare was required to grant someone this authority before moving in. She chose Houston, but staff later claimed she did not recall signing the document, though she acknowledged her signature. Margaret Quinn, The Apsley’s executive director, told the Times that Multare "did not realize" Houston had moved her to the facility to live and "stated she would never have agreed to that."
Medical opinions on Multare's cognitive state are divided. Sunrise Senior Living cited her primary care doctor's assessment indicating signs of dementia, while Houston enlisted another physician who found her mentally competent, acing cognitive tests. "She does not have dementia," Houston maintains.
Resolution and Ongoing Concerns
The impasse reached a climax when Houston's attorney urgently advised removing Multare before the nursing home could rescind the power of attorney and seek temporary guardianship. After an hour-long speakerphone argument involving legal counsel, the decision rested with Multare, who chose to leave. By October, she had returned to her Upper West Side apartment, with Houston visiting almost daily.
Houston has rejected any suggestion of financial motive, asserting independent wealth inherited from his industrialist grandfather. In interviews, Multare admitted memory lapses, not recalling the struggle to leave The Apsley or the ongoing lawsuit. Yet, with prompting, she expressed hope her experience would serve as a cautionary tale. "I’m concerned about the fact that this could happen to others," she said. "I'm sorry about my memory. That’s my biggest problem. I don’t remember anything."
This case highlights profound questions about elder care, autonomy, and the vulnerabilities faced by ageing populations in high-cost urban environments, setting a potentially significant legal precedent.
