In a report from the MDH, Heritage of Edina was cited with neglect. The alleged perpetrator (AP) was responsible for maltreatment. The baseboard heat radiator in the client’s room became excessively hot and burned the client on her left arm, elbow and wrist, and the forehead. The AP, who worked the overnight shift did not complete services as assigned, which included hourly safety checks.
In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health it is alleged that a client at Heritage of Edina was neglected when the alleged perpetrator (AP) failed to follow the client’s care plan, which resulted in a fall with a fracture.
Neglect was substantiated. The alleged perpetrator (AP) was responsible for the maltreatment when he neglected to transfer the client as assessed, which resulted in the client sustaining a right shoulder fracture.
Recent MDH Substantiated Findings of Neglect, dehydration, exploitation.
Heritage of Edina Complaint Findings for Neglect – Lack of Supervision – Wandering Resident
In a report concluded on April 2, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Heritage of Edina for neglect of supervision.
Resident Wanders and Elopes from Heritage of Edina – Wander Guard Failed
The allegation is neglect of supervision based on the following: Client #1 eloped from the facility and was found by police wandering in the parking lot of a shopping mall. The client’s wander guard bracelet did not alarm when she left the building.
According to the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, individuals at risk for wandering include individuals with dementia, generally in the early to mid-stage. Dementia is defined by the Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders Association as “the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with the person’s daily functioning. Dementia is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may also include changes in personality, mood and behavior. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression.” Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is defined by the National Institute on Aging as “an irreversible progressive brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities.”
It is estimated that fifty percent of all people over age eighty-five have Alzheimer’s dementia. Approximately half of all nursing home residents suffer from some form of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease. Wandering is most often associated with Alzheimer’s dementia, usually occurring two to four years after the onset of the disease. Statistics indicate that in the United States, more than 34,000 Alzheimer patients wander out of their homes or care facilities each year.11 Studies vary on the prevalence of wandering in institutionalized dementia patients, but is estimated that 11 % to 24 % wander.
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 wandering and elopement, 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.
