Residents of a nursing home are residents because they require medical care that they can no longer provide themselves. Depending upon severity of conditions, this care could be as simple as a few check-ins throughout the day, or could be as serious as constant and close observation. Because some patients require constant observation, staff members and caretakers have a responsibility and obligation to know what their patient’s needs are at all times and how to effectively provide those needs in a way that promotes a good quality of life. Nursing home negligence occurs when the needs of a patient are disregarded or overlooked. Often, injuries and death occur as a result of nursing home neglect, and the matter should not be taken lightly.
Facility Fined After Death of 78-Year-Old Man
Orchard-Post Acute Care in Whittier has been fined $75,000 and given a “AA” citation from the state of California for the death of a 78-year-old patient in 2008. The man, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and was recovering from a stroke, was admitted to the facility in July of 2008. Nursing home staff inserted a feeding tube into the man’s abdomen, as is often necessary for Alzheimer’s and Dimentia patients who may forget to eat or become aggressive at meal times. Soon after, the man began complaining of abdominal pain and was taken to the emergency room. While in the hospital, the doctors discovered that his feeding tube was inserted incorrectly, causing an inflamed abdomen lining, labored breathing, and septic shock. The man underwent an operation and was placed on a ventilator, but died six days later.
Placing a feeding tube is a common procedure in nursing homes. Staff members should be adequately trained before they perform these procedures on patients. It certainly is sad when something so easily preventable leads to the death of patient.
Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, we encourage you to visit frequently and be very observant of the care they are receiving. If you are worried that the care is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.