Archive for the ‘Housing With Services Care Issues’ Category

Substantiated Complaint Against Augustana Emerald Crest After Death of Client

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 1st February 2017 | Category: Housing With Services Care Issues, Inadequate Staffing/Training, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Allegations of Neglect of Supervision at Augustana Emerald Crest in Shakopee

Augustana Emerald Crest Allegations of Neglect

In a report dated, January 3, 2017 by the Minnesota Department of Health alleging that Augustana Emerald Crest in Shakopee, it is alleged that a client was neglected when staff failed to provide adequate supervision and s/he ingested dishwasher detergent. The client was hospitalized.

There is another report with similar facts also dated January 3, 2017.

Augustana Emerald Crest Substantiated Neglect Allegation

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect of supervision occurred when a staff member left a corrosive chemical detergent unattended and within the client’s reach. The client drank some of the chemical and sustained burns to the throat, requiring hospitalization. The client subsequently died from complications of ingestion.

The client had a history of dementia and was noted to have deficits in cognition, with poor judgment and decision-making. S/he also had the tendency to take food and drinks from the kitchen. The client’s cognitive assessment noted that cupboards needed to be locked due to this behavior.

Staff interviews and documentation review indicated that, on the day of the incident, the client was in the dining area next to the kitchen waiting for breakfast. A facility staff member was changing and replacing an almost empty dishwasher container of UltraKlene in the kitchen. The staff member left the detergent out on the counter. The client grabbed the cleaning solution, poured a glass and proceeded to take a sip as witnessed by another client. The client spit out the liquid, but then proceeded to drink a quarter cup of coffee. Approximately three hours later, the client began complaining of a sore throat and had continued to spit out phlegm, which contained blood. S/he was noted to have a swollen upper lip with a raspy voice. The registered nurse assessed the client and it was noted that the client’s throat felt swollen. Emergency services was called. Staff reported they were not aware of the ingestion until this point.

The client was hospitalized for 13 days, was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and severe dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). The client was not able to eat or drink to sustain life, and died. The death certificate indicated the client died from complications of sodium hydroxide detergent ingestion.

According to information from the manufacturer, the detergent UltraKlene contains sodium hydroxide and is corrosive in nature, causes respiratory tract irritation, and is harmful if swallowed. If ingested, it causes burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.

For more information about how to get accountability for elder abuse and neglect related injuries call Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at his direct number at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com. There is no fee unless a there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer.

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Selecting an Elder Care Facility

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 19th January 2017 | Category: Caregivers Resources, Home Health Care, Housing With Services Care Issues | RSS Feed

Selecting an Elder Care Facility in Minnesota

Resources for Selecting an Elder Care Facility

Selecting an elder care facility is a difficult and import decision. The resident or family member needs to consider many factors including the location, costs, payment sources such as Medicaid and Minnesota Elder Waiver, and probably most importantly the care needs of the resident and the services offered by the provider.

Another important issue is to consider the quality of care the potential nursing home, assisted living, memory care provider, home care provider, group home or other care or service provider focused on elder and vulnerable adult clients.

Additional Resources for Selecting and Elder Care Facility

Before selecting an elder care provider you want to review the past Medicaid surveys, as well as the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints findings for the facility you are considering. You may also want to make sure the facility is not on the Medicare Special Focus Facility list of providers with deficiencies well above the above in average pertaining to quality of care provided to residents.

It is also important to be well versed in the Minnesota and Federal Resident Rights regulations designed to protect nursing home and other elder care vulnerable adults and residents.

If you suspect any type of injuries or harm from elder abuse or neglect, report it immediately.

Click here for more selecting an elder care facility or choosing a nursing home.

Also see Minnesota Choosing a Facility from the MDH, which has links to more information including: finding licensed facilities and providers, Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card, a statewide source of information Minnesota Help, Medicare Compare for Home Health Care Providers and Medicare Compare for Nursing Homes.

In some cases information on facilities can be found at U.S.News, Find Nursing Home Rating.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, information on Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Long Term Care Facilities.

The Minnesota Attorney General also provides information on Selection of Nursing Home.

Finally, The Center for Medicare Medicaid Services, CMS, Offers a Nursing Home Selection Checklist covering many important care and service related issues before choosing a facility.

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 need more information about selecting an elder care facility or have concerns about medication errors, improper use of medical equipment, falls or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Medical Foster Homes a Nursing Home Alternative in Minneapolis

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 22nd November 2014 | Category: Facilities - Nursing Homes, Home Health Care, Housing With Services Care Issues | RSS Feed

Elderly Gentleman, Veteran, Nursing Home Resident, Medical Foster Homes

Medical Foster Homes Are Option For Some

There are many nursing homes throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. It may be fair to say that all of them have veterans living within them they called medical foster homes.

The reason why veterans live in nursing homes is because living at home can become too difficult for them. The one way that they are able to get the care that they need is by receiving care in nursing homes and other institutions.

Minneapolis Medical Foster Homes

But Minneapolis has something a bit different for veterans and they are called “Medical Foster Homes.”

In these homes, veterans are able to live with skilled families that are very loving. These homes are state licensed and inspected by the VA. The family provides the veteran’s daily care with the assistance of health care professionals.

A major difference is the amount of personal involvement that the families have in the veterans that they house. This reduces the chances of there being any sort of negligence or physical or elder sexual abuse. The families within these homes are also able to handle the responsibility, as they have very few individuals to take care of.

One Korean War veteran chose to enter a medical foster home. Like many other veterans, he likes to reminisce over photos from the time he served. He said he had some good memories of his time serving and that there were some rather nice ports that he visited.

Of course, his life has changed a lot since then.

Being someone with medical problems and no family, he was forced into nursing homes. When he heard about Medical Foster Homes, he was ready to give it a try. He says it is very interesting having a family.

The family receives help from the VA staff in ensuring the veteran and the other veterans in the program receive individualized care.

One caregiver was noted as saying that out of all of the careers she has had in the past, this is the only one that makes her feel as if she is making a difference in someone’s life. She compares it to being in a blended family.

For veterans that do have families, there is an open door policy that welcomes them.

One woman said she was going downhill while she was being cared for in her home. Her sister would come visit her and help take care of her when possible, but the 5 ½ hour drive one way was a bit overwhelming. Placing the woman in a Medical Foster Home resulted in improved care and a better quality of life. Before she moved into the home, she weighed just less than 70 pounds and is now over 100 pounds.

So far, the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home Program has 22 homes with at least three veterans living in each home. This is the largest program of its kind in the country.

There is a monthly fee that has to be paid in order to stay in a Medical Foster Home. This fee is paid with a combination of the veteran’s Social Security, VA and private income. The result is their housing, food, and basic needs being taken care of every single day.

Report Suspected Abuse and Neglect in Medical Foster Homes

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you have concerns about any form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

StarTribune Articles Calls Attention to Issue: Caregivers Need to Be Well Trained

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 21st August 2014 | Category: Assisted Living Care Issues, Caregivers Resources, Home Health Care, Housing With Services Care Issues | RSS Feed

Specialized Medical Equipment Requires Specialized Training for Personal Care Attendants, PCA, Home Health Aides – All Caregivers Need to be Well Trained

All Caregivers Need to Be Well Trained Whether at Home or in Facilities

The StarTribune had an article titled no training, but lives put in their hands. The article highlights the fact that Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents, some with serious illness and disabilities as cared for by care assistants with very little training, especially considering the complexity of the care many people require.

All Caregivers Need to Be Well Trained

Home care, personal care attendants (PCAs) are in situations where they must deal with complicated medical conditions and there is little, training, support or supervision, all caregivers need to be well trained. Many small providers such as foster care homes, other persons living at home with services have a need for qualified staff to work in the home environment. Since there is often a lack of management and oversight on a day to day based the resident is often left to deal with scheduling issues, substitute caregivers and understaffing or persons who are not qualified to act in the scope of practice, nursing, dietary, medical, etc.. In all situations it is important that the caregivers are qualified and well trained on the resident and their needs as well as any medical equipment, lifts, g-tubes, catheters and others.

The State of Minnesota has a website consumer information site concerning PCA for People with Disabilities

If you have questions about the quality of care provided to someone you love who is receiving home care, assisted living care, care from PCA, in Adult Foster Care, Group Home or other form of elder care or vulnerable adult caregiver call Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a Free Consultation at 612-743-9048 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com

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Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Kenneth LaBore Offers Free Consultations and Serves Clients Throughout the State of Minnesota Call Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589

Assisted Care Facility Becomes More Secure with Monitoring System

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 22nd January 2013 | Category: Assisted Living Care Issues, Housing With Services Care Issues | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Monitoring of Residents

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Monitoring System for Residents

Monitoring Systems Protect Residents of Elder Care Facilities

Ensuring aging loved ones are properly taken care of is something that nearly every Minnesota is going to have to deal with. In 2011, there were over 700,000 people in the state over the age of 65. This is expected to see a 6% increase by 2025. As more of these individuals enter assisted living facilities and retirement homes, families do worry. They worry that their loved one is being cared for and is in a secure environment. With many issues regarding wandering nursing home residents and various other problems, there are many assisted living and nursing homes that are implementing monitoring system technology that can help prevent injuries and relieve other safety concerns.

As for how this works, a person living in an apartment in an assisted living facility can be monitored as they leave their apartment. The moment the front door opens, the housing manager can see what is happening to ensure the individual does not fall or that they get help as soon as possible if they do. There may also be motion detectors and sensors placed around a room or the entire apartment.

The kitchen tends to be a popular area for motion detectors. If a sensor does not detect an individual getting into their refrigerator often, this could suggest they are not eating or drinking enough. A pressure sensor on the bed can tell a caregiver how many times a resident gets in and out of their bed. Every movement where there is a sensor is transmitted to the computers and phones of the staff. This makes the staff familiar with resident habits so that any deviation can be noted, which can mean something is wrong and that help is needed immediately.

Being that this is a new system, questions have come about. Some are concerned that staff will rely too much on the high-tech monitoring system and less on visual confirmation that a resident is okay. Others feel that electronic monitoring simply gives more room to overlook certain situations. In most cases, a family can choose to keep their loved one in this type of state-of-the-art environment for an additional cost or they can choose a more traditional environment.

Protect Vulnerable Adults – Use Monitoring System and Camera and Report Suspected Abuse

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you have concerns about financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Verbal Abuse – Substantiated Complaint by Minnesota Department of Health Against REM Hennepin Pillsbury

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 28th August 2012 | Category: Facilities - Nursing Homes, Housing With Services Care Issues, Patient Rights, Verbal Abuse | RSS Feed

Verbal Abuse is Abuse and a Violation of Resident Rights

MDH Issues a Citation for Violation of Rights for Verbal Abuse

After an investigation into allegations of verbal abuse at REM Hennepin Pillsbury when one resident was verbally abusive and threatening to other residents.

Verbal Abuse is Abuse and a Violation of Resident Rights

Provider: REM Hennepin Pillsbury

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Provider Type: Housing with Services

Number of Substantiated Complaints listed by MDH 1

Complaint: Verbal Abuse

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

Although, efforts are made to make accurate links and relayed information, these blogs are examples of neglect and other issues, please double check all information at: MDH Website

This website is not intended to provide legal advice as each situation is different and specific factual information must be obtained before an attorney is able to assess the legal questions relevant to your situation.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from neglect or verbal abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member. To contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly please send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com or call Ken at 612-743-9048.

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Failure to Provide Adequate Nursing Care – MDH Substantiated Complaint Against REM Health, Inc. in Edina, Minnesota

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 27th August 2012 | Category: Caregivers Resources, Facilities - Nursing Homes, Housing With Services Care Issues, Inadequate Staffing/Training, Infectious Diseases (MRSA, C-Diff) | RSS Feed

REM Health in Edina is Cited with Failure to Provide Adequate Nursing Care

Home Care Provider REM Health in Edina is Cited with Failure to Provide Adequate Nursing Care

Access to adequate nursing care is a basic necessity in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, housing with services and other providers of senior and elder housing. Depending on and the care needs of the residents the what is determined be adequate nursing care varies considerably.

Provider: REM Health, Inc.

Location: Edina, Minnesota

Provider Type: Nursing Home

Number of Substantiated Complaints listed by MDH 1

Complaint: Failure to Provide Adequate Nursing Care

Date Investigation Concluded: September 22, 2009

Although, efforts are made to make accurate links and relayed information, these blogs are examples of neglect and other issues, please double check all information at: MDH Website

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from neglect or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member. To contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly please send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com or call Ken at 612-743-9048.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision Substantiated Complaints Against Martin Luther Manor – Highland

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 20th August 2012 | Category: Caregivers Resources, Facilities - Nursing Homes, Home Health Care, Housing With Services Care Issues | RSS Feed

Minnesota Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect – Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision

Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision

Martin Luther Manor – Highland was cited by the Minnesota Department of Health for a failure to provide adequate supervision of a resident who found with blistering burns on her feet after being burned in a shower.

Provider: Martin Luther Manor
Location: St. Paul / Highland, Minnesota
Provider Type: Housing with Services (HWS)
Number of Substantiated Complaints listed by MDH 1

Complaint: Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision

Date Investigation Concluded: October 10, 2011

NOTE: The following information about the facility and provider is provided by the MDH Website this blog is not a complete list of providers with Substantiated Complaints, the providers highlighted are generally those which focus on the care of disabled or elderly persons.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 626.5572, subd. 19; “Substantiated” means a preponderance of the evidence shows that an act that meets the definition of maltreatment, which is defined subdivision 15, as: means “abuse as defined in subdivision 2, neglect as defined in subdivision 17 or financial exploitation as defined by subdivision 9.”

Although, efforts are made to make accurate links and relayed information, these blogs are examples of neglect and other issues, please double check all information at: MDH Website

Failure to Provide Adequate Supervision

There are many types of elder abuse and neglect which can occur when there is a lack of monitoring or a failure to provide adequate supervision such as wandering and eloping residents, falls, pressure sores, sexual assaults and other injuries. If you would like a free consultation with an experienced top rated elder abuse lawyer call Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Medication Stolen from Resident of Coon Rapids Assisted Living Facility

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 7th August 2012 | Category: Caregivers Resources, Housing With Services Care Issues, Medication Administration Mistakes, Patient Rights | RSS Feed

Medication Stolen From Resident of Assisted Living Facility

Story About Medication Stolen From Vulnerable Adult

According to an article in the ABC Newpapers.com, and Anoka woman plead guilty to medication stolen from patient which were prescribed for a resident in a Coon Rapids Assisted Living Facility. The woman was charged with felony third degree burglary as well as, second degree burgulary and theft and a fifth degree controlled substance charge for the theft of the resident’s Oxycodone.

Medication Stolen from Patients is So Common it is Has a Name “Drug Diversion”

As an attorney who handling abuse and neglect claims in nursing home and assisted living environments, I have seen all types of theft. Medication theft is one of the most common, particularly the narcotic medications such as Oxycodone. It is important that elderly persons and caregivers keep a close watch on medication and make sure that it difficult to steal. It is important that elderly persons get their medication including pain medication and it was the watchful staff at the Assisted Living Facility who called the suspicious activity to the attention of authorities. Be watchful and it you believe that an elderly person has been the victim of any form of abuse neglect or theft (financial or medication) do not hesitate to contact the police or if the care facility is suspected the Minnesota Department of Health.

This website is not to provide legal advice as each situation is different and specific factual information must be obtained before an attorney is able to assess the legal questions relevant to your situation. In addition to providing related information this blog may also be considered an advertisement for legal services.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota, please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member.

To contact elder abuse and neglect attorney Kenneth LaBore, directly for a Free Consultation, please send an email to klabore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com, or call Ken at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Grandma’s Place, in Brooklyn Park Complaint Infectious Control

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 15th July 2012 | Category: Facilities - Nursing Homes, Housing With Services Care Issues, Inadequate Staffing/Training | RSS Feed

Infectious Disease Control Issues at Grandma’s Place in Brooklyn Park – Infection

Complaints Against Grandma’s Place – Infection Control Issues

Grandma’s Place in Brooklyn Park has substantiated complaints with the Minnesota Department of Health for infection control and staffing issues.

Substantiated MDH Complaint Against Grandama’s Place

Provider: Grandma’s Place, Inc.

Location: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Provider Type: Housing with Services

Number of Substantiated Complaints listed by MDH 1

Date Investigation Concluded: December 29, 2010

Basis of Complaint: Staffing Shortage, Infection Control

Although, efforts are made to make accurate links and relayed information, these blogs are examples of neglect and other issues, please double check all information at: MDH Website

Get more information about infectious disease control, according to CDC, CDC’s Infectious Diseases Laboratories provides an online Test Directory that allows you to identify the right test for your needs. The searchable Test Directory features an up-to-date list of orderable tests and provides information on specimen requirements, contact information, test turnaround times, and other supplemental information. Access the directory here or while completing a Specimen Submission Form.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from an infection, infectious disease or other form of neglect or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member.

To contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly for a Free Consultation, please send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com or call Ken at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589