Boundary Waters Care Center Ely Complaint Findings for Neglect
In a report concluded on June 4, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Boundary Waters Care Center Ely for neglect of health care.
It is alleged that neglect occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) did not provide supplemental oxygen to a resident with acute change in respiratory status and sent the resident in a non-emergency transport van to a routine appointment over two hours away. The resident died on the way to the appointment.
Based on a preponderance of evidence neglect is substantiated when the AP failed to assess, notify the physician and provide ongoing emergency care to a resident. The resident was later transported in a non-medical van to a prescheduled appointment over two hours away and died.
The van driver was interviewed and stated the resident had the oxygen on when he arrived. The driver stated that he asked the AP if the resident was going to travel using oxygen and the AP said “no” stating the resident will be alright and removed the oxygen from the resident. A review of the facility’s internal investigation of the incident indicated the van driver also told the facility staff that the resident had the oxygen on when he arrived to pick up the resident.
Boundary Waters Care Center Ely Complaint Findings for Falls
In another report concluded on February 15, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Boundary Waters Care Center Ely for neglect of health care – neglect – falls.
It is alleged that neglect occurred when a resident fell after being left in a room with the door closed without access to a call light by the alleged perpetrator (AP). The fall resulted in serious injuries.
Boundary Waters Care Center Ely Complaint Findings for Abuse by Staff
In a third report concluded on August 8, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Boundary Waters Care Center Ely for physical abuse by staff, neglect of health care.
The allegation is abuse based on the following: Several residents have bruising on their inner thighs due to staff treating residents roughly when providing care. In addition a resident was called a derogatory name for several weeks by an employee and staff hides resident’s call lights for resident that have difficult behavior. The allegation is neglect based on the following: Residents are not receiving dressing changes as ordered and one resident has black bruising from his knee to his toes as well as a fluid filled wound from EZ stand, even though the resident is supposed to be transferred via a EZ lift. In addition resident linens are not changed as needed; catheter care is not adequate, infection control procedures such as hand washing is not maintained and equipment is not kept clean.
For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints concerning nursing homes, assisted living and other elder care providers view resolved complaints at the MDH website.
If you have concerns about neglect, falls, fractures, Mechanical Patient Lift, physical abuse or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.
