In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health a client from Faribault Senior Living (client #1) was neglected when facility staff failed to provide adequate supervision that resulted in another client (client #2) pushing client #1 resulting in a hip fracture.
Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect is substantiated. The home care provider was aware of client #2’s increase in aggressive behaviors and inappropriately entering the rooms of other clients, but did not implement new or effective interventions to keep other clients safe. The home care provider failed to reassess client #2’s susceptibility to abuse another client and not implement interventions to prevent further occurrences. In addition, the home care provider failed to reassess client #1’s susceptibility to abuse by another individual, including vulnerable adults, and did not identify specific measures to minimize the risk of abuse to that person.
Faribault Senior Living Faribault Complaint Findings for Patient Rights
In a report concluded on May 14, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Faribault Senior Living Faribault for patient rights.
It is alleged that the agency did not follow state statutes/rules when staff routinely until utilized an EZ stand lift to transfer a client although she was unable to follow instructions and keep her legs straight.
Substantiated Complaint Faribault Senior Living Faribault Minnesota – Use of EZ Stand Lift
A violation is substantiated related to the licensee to ensure staff were competent to use the EZ stand patient lift.
During a time prior to the onsite investigation, staff transferred a client with the use of EZ stand. During this transfer, the client became unresponsive. Staff members hit the emergency stop button more than once and the life just stopped. Staff did not know of any emergency lowering procedures for the EZ stand. Staff could not recall how the client was assisted out of the EZ stand. A family member witness interview indicated the client was lifted up out of the support straps by this family member and staff person. Staff also indicated that, prior to the client suddenly becoming unresponsive; the client did not have any problems with bearing weight or holding the handles of the EZ stand. After a short while, the client was assisted to a seated position. The client was seen in the emergency department and diagnosed with a vasocagal response (a fainting or near fainting episode), with no identified specific cause for vasovagal response. The client returned back to the facility that same day.
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 improper use of medical equipment, patient rights or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com
