Archive for the ‘Failure to Provide CPR’ Category

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Walker Methodist Health Center Minneapolis Neglect and Abuse Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 17th April 2015 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR, Financial Exploitation, Lost Resident Wandering Elopement, Sexual Abuse | RSS Feed

Failure to Follow POLST – Failure to Provide CPR at Walker Methodist Health Center

Failure to Follow POLST at Walker Methodist Health Center

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated March 2, 2017, it is alleged that neglect occurred against Walker Methodist Health Center when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was not performed on a resident who had a provider order for life sustaining treatment (POLST) form which indicated the resident requested resuscitation in the event that his/her heart stopped and s/he was not breathing.

Substantiated Neglect Due Failure to Provide CPR to Walker Methodist Health Center Resident

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when nursing staff did not initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the resident when it was determined that the resident was not breathing and did not have a pulse.

The resident’s provider order for life sustaining treatment (POLST), signed by a physician, indicated the resident requested CPR be started if the resident had no pulse and was not breathing.

On the day of the resident’s death, the resident was in the dining room after lunch. The resident stood up from the wheelchair and sat on the floor. This was not uncommon for the resident. The nurse assigned to the resident and another staff member assisted the resident off the floor and sit back in the wheelchair.

Staff members took the resident to his/her room and put the resident into bed. The nurse went to get the blood pressure machine and attempted to take the resident’s blood pressure. The machine did not register a blood pressure on the resident. The nurse turned the machine off and on three times, attempting to get a blood pressure each time. The nurse said the resident was tired and looked sound asleep. S/he did not attempt to manually obtain an apical or radial pulse from the resident. The nurse left the resident alone to walk to the nurse’s station to look at the resident’s POLST. The nurse interpreted the POLST to read “comfort cares’ and did not start CPR. The nurse could not explain why the POLST was checked at that time.

The nurse then walked to an administrative nurse’s office where s/he also found the nursing supervisor. The nurse asked the nursing supervisor to come to the resident’s room to check the vitals machine. The nursing supervisor and the administrative nurse went to the resident’s room. The nurse assigned to the resident stated approximately ten minutes elapsed from the time the resident was brought back to his/her room from the dining room until the nursing supervisor and the administrative nurse entered the resident’s room.

The nursing supervisor entered the resident’s room and found the resident’s skin was blue in color, cool to the touch, and the resident was not breathing. The nursing supervisor took the resident’s apical pulse and determined the resident was deceased. The administrative nurse verified the resident did not have a pulse. The nurse assigned to the resident left the room to look at the resident’s medical record. The nursing supervisor and the administrative nurse also left the resident’s room for an undetermined amount of time. They reviewed the resident’s POLST and both read that the resident request CPR. The nursing supervisor and the administrative nurse did not start CPR, and no one at the facility called 911. The nursing supervisor said CPR was not started because the assigned nurse indicated the resident was expected to pass away and the family knew the resident was declining. The nursing supervisor began the facility notification procedure for the death of the resident.

The physician was interviewed and stated the POLST document indicated the resident requested CPR in the event the resident did not have a pulse and was not breathing.

The family of the resident was interviewed and stated they had considered a change to the resident’s POLST from CPR to do not resuscitate, but there was no change to the order at the time of the resident’s death.

The resident’s death certificate indicated the cause of death was due to multiple co-existing diseases.

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Neglect of a Resident and Sexual Abuse of Vulnerable Adult at Walker Methodist Health Center Minneapolis Minnesota

Walker Methodist Health Center Cited With Neglect

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated August 1, 2016, it is alleged that a resident at Walker Methodist Health Center was neglected when the facility failed to provide supervision to him/her. The resident has not been located and been missing for multiple hours.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence neglect occurred when the resident left the facility unsupervised and sustained injuries from a fall. The facility staff had knowledge of a prior attempt by the resident to leave the facility . The facility failed to ensure elopement risk factors were evaluated and interventions in place for adequate supervision.

Walker Methodist Health Center Complaint Findings for Sexual Abuse

In a report concluded on January 13, 2015, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Walker Methodist Health Center for sexual abuse.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, abuse is substantiated; the alleged perpetrator (AP) was observed sexually assaulting the resident. The facility acted immediately to ensure the resident’s safety and remove the AP from premises.

The resident had diagnoses that include Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and generalized muscle weakness. The resident had cognitive deficits in all area and required assistance from staff for all cares and transfers. The resident was minimally verbal, giving occasional, one word responses to a direct question.

The night the resident was assaulted, the witness was on his/her way to the kitchen around 4:30 a.m. and stepped into the bathroom, located just inside the doorway of the resident’s room to wash his/her hands. The witness saw the AP’s back at the edge of the resident’s bed, the resident’s bare legs on both sides of the AP’s hips and the tape tabs, located on the sides of the resident’s incontinent product, open on the bed indicating that the resident’s brief was open. The witness did not release what the AP was doing until s/he saw the AP move in a back and forth, thrusting motion, about four times. When the witness realized that the AP was sexually assaulting the resident, s/he knocked on the door to alert the AP to his/her presence in the room. The AP turned around briefly and saw the witness. The AP then quickly moved back from the resident, placed the residents legs back on the bed and replaced the resident’s incontinent product. The witness immediately contacted the night supervisor who removed the AP from the floor. The police were called and the AP was taken to jail and charged with sexual assault. The resident was taken to the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

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Nursing Home Abuse – Theft From Residents – Financial Exploitation – Walker Methodist Health Center Complaint Findings for Exploitation

Walker Methodist Health Center Complaint Findings for Exploitation

In another report concluded on April 3, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Walker Methodist Health Center for exploitation by other.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, financial exploitation is substantiated in connection with the theft of a resident’s credit card by the AP.

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 sexual abuse or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 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

Valley View Manor Lamberton Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 16th April 2015 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR, Fall Injuries | RSS Feed

Hip Fracture from Fall

Valley View Manor Lamberton Complaint Findings for Neglect Failure to Perform CPR

In a report concluded on June 13, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Valley View Manor Lamberton for neglect of health care – failure to do CPR.

It is alleged that Resident #1 was neglect when she was not given CPR as was directed in his advanced directive.

Valley View Manor Lamberton Complaint Findings for Neglect – Falls

In a report concluded on March 28, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Valley View Manor Lamberton for neglect of health care – falls.

It is alleged that Resident #1 was neglected when she was left unattended in her room in her recliner, contrary to her care plan and she fell and sustained a hip fracture.

If you have concerns about failure to perform CPR, falls or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Knute Nelson Alexandria Neglect Heater Burns After Resident Falls from Bed

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 25th March 2015 | Category: Burn Injuries, Failure to Provide CPR, Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Fall Injuries, Financial Exploitation | RSS Feed

Resident at Knute Nelson Alexandria Suffers Third Degree Burns After Prolonged Exposure to Radiator – Radiator Burns – Baseboard Heater Burn Injuries

Resident Falls and Suffers Burns at Knute Nelson Alexandria

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated April 22, 2016, it was alleged that Knute Nelson Alexandria was neglected when s/he fell and was burned by the baseboard heater in the resident’s room.

Knute Nelson Alexandria – Baseboard Radiator Burn Injuries

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the facility failed to assess the risk for burns from a baseboard heater in the resident’s room. The resident rolled out of bed, came in contact with the heater, and sustained first, second, and third degree burns to the left hip and right foot including the heel and great toe.

The resident’s diagnoses included peripheral neuropathy or decreased feeling to the lower extremities. The resident was capable of making his/her needs known to staff but required the assistance from others for decision making. Due to declining health, the resident was provided with hospice care. At the time of the fall, the resident required extensive assistance from two staff and a walker for ambulation, two staff for repositioning, transfers, toilet use, and a wheelchair for mobility for longer distances. The resident had a history of falls at the facility and care plan interventions included keeping the call light and commonly used items within the resident’s reach, reminding the resident of safety precautions, providing proper footwear, and staying with the resident in the bathroom with toileting. At the time of the fall, the facility had implemented an alarm that alerted staff of the resident’s attempt at self-transfers.

Early one morning, staff entered the resident’s room responding to the silent alarm notification. The resident was lying between the bed and the baseboard heater his/her left hip and foot in contact with the heater. The left hip burn was not measured but determined to be first degree. The burn to the right foot measured 17 centimeters (cm) by 5 cm with weeping blisters present on the right heel and great toe. The burn was second degree. There was a third degree burn to a small area of the right great toe that measured .25 cm by 3 cm. The area was white with hard skin. The resident had an order for morphine sulfate for moderate to severe pain and staff provided the medication.

An interview with a staff member established when s/he found the resident on the floor touching the baseboard heater, s/he placed her/his leg between the heater and the resident to protect him/her from the heat. The staff said the baseboard heater was hot and it was difficult to keep her/his leg on the heater until help arrived.

At the time of the fall, the resident’s bed was positioned parallel to the electric baseboard heater with a nightstand between the bed and heater. There was approximately 19.5 inches between the resident’s bed and the heater. During an onsite visit, the surface of the baseboard heater taken with a laser infrared device was 130 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no prior assessment of the burn risk to the resident from the baseboard heater located in the resident’s room.

At the time of the incident, the facility had no policy or system in place to monitor the surface temperature of the baseboard heater. Of the five resident rooms with the same type of baseboard heater, none of the beds were positioned close to the heater.

The resident passed away two days after the incident.

The death certificate indicated the primary cause of death was pneumonia.

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Nursing Home Neglect Failure to Provide CPR at Knute Nelson Alexandria Minnesota

Substantiated Complaint Against Knute Nelson Alexandria – Medication Theft

In a report concluded on February 8, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health cites the facility for exploitation – drug diversion.

It is alleged that a resident was financially exploited when a staff, alleged perpetrator (AP), took the resident’s medications for his/her own use. The AP confessed to facility management to taking the medications.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence financial exploitation did occur when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took two tablets of Percocet (a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain) that belongs to the resident for the AP’s own personal use.

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Knute Nelson Alexandria Complaint Findings for Neglect – No CPR

In a report concluded on June 4, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Knute Nelson Alexandria for neglect of health care – failure to provide CPR.

It is alleged that neglect occurred when two licensed nurses did not initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a resident was found not breathing and pulseless. The resident’s advanced directives indicated that resident wanted CPR to be started.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence neglect occurred, when nursing staff failed to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the resident’s signed resuscitation guideline form.

When MDH interviewed the physician/medical director stated that staff should have initiated CPR, called transferred the resident to the hospital. The physician indicated that the facility policy directs staff to initiate CPR (unless designated as do not resuscitate/do not intubate) as the signs of death as difficult to gauge and are open to personal interpretation.

If you have concerns about failure to provide CPR, burn injuries or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 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

Good Samaritan Society Waconia Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 19th March 2015 | Category: Choking Asphyxiation Unable to Breath, Failure to Provide CPR, Fall Injuries, Medication Drug Error | RSS Feed

Good Samaritan Waconia Cited after Failure to Follow POLST

Good Samaritan Society Waconia Cited after Failure to Follow POLST

Waconia Good Samaritan Society Cited for Failure to Follow POLST

Based on a report dated, September 20, 2016, it was alleged that neglect occurred when the facility failed to ensure a resident’s wishes were carried out as facility staff failed to follow the resident’s Provider Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) from when he/she became unresponsive. Life saving measures were discontinued against the resident wishes and the resident passed away without being transferred to a hospital.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when staff did not provide emergency medical care to a resident, consistent with the resident’s advanced directive for life-sustaining treatment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the resident died. CPR was started but discontinued when a staff misunderstood the Provider Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form and directed staff to stop CPR.

The resident was admitted to the facility from a hospital after a short stay for respiratory issues, the resident was alert and oriented and made his/her own decisions about medical care. The facility had reviewed the POLST form on admission with the resident, and the form indicated the resident wanted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest. The form was signed by the resident, a nurse and the physician.

The resident had a change in condition, a decreased level on consciousness and difficulty breathing. A nurse was monitoring the resident’s vital signs and unresponsiveness, and performing a sternal rub. A second nurse assessed the resident, then left the room to check the electronic medical record to determine the CPR status and the emergency medical system (EMS) was activated. The resident’s condition declined and the nurse with the resident determined CPR was indicated, the Licensed Practical Nurse for the next shift care into the room and immediately started CPR. The nursing staff had not brought the emergency equipment of an automated external defibrillator and back board used to perform CPR to the resident’s room, and CPR was initially begun on the bed without a firm surface under the resident.

Resident Suffers Hip and Arm Fracture at Good Samaritan Waconia

Good Samaritan Waconia Cited with Neglect after Fall From EZ Stand Lift

According to a report dated July 26, 2016, it is alleged that neglect occurred against Good Samaritan Waconia when the alleged perpetrator (AP) did not follow the care plan and the resident fell out of the EZ stand lift, sustained multiple fractures and died a few days later.

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) transferred the resident alone, used the wrong type of lift, and the resident fell out of the EZ stand lift, was lowered to the floor and sustained fractures of her left hip and left upper arm.

The resident was dependent on staff to assist with activities of daily living. The care plan interventions to be used when transferring the resident during toileting were: two staff to assist, using a total lift (hydraulic powered sling lift) and large sling. The AP worked with the resident prior to the fall. The AP did not review the resident’s care plan prior to transferring the resident. The AP used the EZ stand alone to transfer the resident from the wheelchair to a standing position. The resident suddenly lost strength in the left leg and wanted to sit down. The resident began to slip out the EZ stand. The AP lowered the resident to the floor. The on-call physician was contacted, and the resident was transferred to the hospital for further care. The resident sustained a left hip fracture and left upper arm fracture.

The resident’s death certificate was reviewed and indicated the resident expired at the hospital. The immediate cause of death was listed as complications of left femur fracture.

Medication Error, Failure to Administer Medication, Coumadin at Good Samaritan Society Waconia Minnesota

Good Samaritan Society Waconia Complaint Findings for Neglect – Failure to Administer Coumadin

In a report concluded on October 18, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Good Samaritan Society Waconia for neglect of health care – failure to administer Coumadin.

It is alleged that a resident was neglect when the facility failed to administer Coumadin for 10 days. The resident developed a clot in the left femoral artery.

Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect is substantiated when a resident did not receive an anti-coagulant medication (Coumadin) for ten days as a result of a medication error (error in order transcription). Review of the incident did not provide evidence that confirmed that the medication error caused a clot to develop in the resident’s left femoral artery.

If you have concerns about medication errors or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Good Samaritan Society Ambassador New Hope Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 18th March 2015 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Neglect of Health Care Failure to Provide CPR Wrongful Death at Good Samaritan Society Ambassador New Hope

Good Samaritan Society Ambassador New Hope Neglect for Failing to Provide CPR

In a report concluded on August 9, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Good Samaritan Society Ambassador New Hope for neglect of health care.

The allegation is neglect based on the following: a Resident was not provided emergency procedures (cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 911 called) in a timely manner, when the Resident was not breathing and unresponsive.

Failure to Provide CPR at Good Samaritan Ambassador

According to the Mayo Clinic, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone — untrained bystanders and medical personnel alike — begin CPR with chest compressions.

It’s far better to do something than to do nothing at all if you’re fearful that your knowledge or abilities aren’t 100 percent complete. Remember, the difference between your doing something and doing nothing could be someone’s life.

If you have concerns about failure to provide CPR or respond to an emergency, Minnesota Nursing Home Wrongful Death Attorney or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 1-888-452-6589 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

Central Todd County Care Clarissa Neglect – Failure to Provide CPR

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 11th March 2015 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR | RSS Feed

Failure to Provide CPR at Central Todd Country Care Clarissa Minnesota

Central Todd County Care Clarissa Complaint Findings for Neglect – Failure to Provide CPR

In a report concluded on February 6, 2015, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Central Todd County Care Clarissa for neglect of health care – failure to provide CPR.

Failure to Provide CPR to Resident at Central Todd County Care Clarissa

Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect is substantiated when staff failed to follow the resident’s advance directive and failed to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a resident was found unresponsive and had no pulse and/or respirations.

The resident’s family was interviewed and confirmed that the resident had directives for CPR. The family member stated that s/he was informed of the resident’s death and then was contacted by the facility 30 minutes later and was informed that staff was initiating CPR. The family directed the facility to stop CPR.

If you have concerns about failure to provide CPR or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 1-888-452-6589 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

Dungarvin Minnesota Mendota Heights Neglect – Failure to Provide CPR

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 11th March 2015 | Category: Caregivers Resources, Choking Asphyxiation Unable to Breath, Failure to Provide CPR, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Resuscitation, DNR, Wrongful Death from Choking

Failure to Provide Resuscitation, DNR, Wrongful Death, Death from Choking, Dungarvin Minnesota Mendota Heights

Dungarvin Minnesota Mendota Heights Complaint Findings for Neglect Failure to Provide CPR

In a report concluded on May 24, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Dungarvin Minnesota Mendota Heights for neglect of health care.

The allegation is neglect based on the following: a client had choking incident at which time staff called 911. Staff indicated that the client had a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, resulting in resuscitation efforts being stopped. It was later discovered the DNR order was for a difference client.

Substantiated Neglect Failure to Provide CPR – Dungarvin Minnesota Mendota Heights

According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone — untrained bystanders and medical personnel alike — begin CPR with chest compressions.

If you have concerns about neglect of health care, failure to provide CPR, Minnesota Nursing Home Wrongful Death Attorney, or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 12-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 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

Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis Neglect – Failure to Provide CPR

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 2nd March 2015 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Oxygen Deprivation, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Neglect Failure to Provide CPR, Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis

Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis in City Complaint Findings for Neglect

In a report concluded on January 25, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis for neglect of health care – failure to provide CPR.

The allegation of neglect is based on the following: A resident was not provided with care according to his physician as orders when the alleged perpetrator (AP) did not contact the on-call physician as ordered and did not perform CPR after a staff called the AP when the resident stopped breathing.

Substantiate Complaint After Failure to Provide CPR at Benedictine Health Center

According to heart.org, the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) is inspiring the world to save lives through a dynamic message of hope. As the authority in resuscitation science, research and training, we publish the official AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC. We translate these Guidelines into the highest quality training materials, courses and programs in CPR, first aid and advanced emergency cardiovascular care for healthcare professionals, first responders, employees and the general public. Because saving lives is why.

If you have concerns about failure to provide emergency care, choking and asphyxiation or any other form of elder abuse and neglect or Minnesota Nursing Home Wrongful Death Attorney or contact Elder Abuse and Neglect 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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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

Care Aides in Minnesota have Little to No Training in Life-and-Death Situations

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 1st September 2014 | Category: Failure to Provide CPR, Inadequate Staffing/Training | RSS Feed

Nursing Home and Home Care Aides Have Little or Sometimes No Training for Cares Provided

Minnesota Nursing Aides Have Little or Sometimes No Training on Serious Care Needs

One care aide was frozen in fear in the living room of a home in St. Paul. Her patient was a quadriplegic man that she did not know well. He was gasping for air, his throat was blocked and his eyes rolled back into his head. Nothing in the one hour of training (nearly no training) that the aide had received prepared her for this scenario.

Fearing that the man was about ready to lose his life, the woman fumbled with a suctioning machine. She had never used one before, but turned it on and inserted the tube into his throat. She recounts that she was terrified because she had this man’s life in her hands and had no idea what she was to do.

This is a scenario that plays out every single day in Minnesota and throughout the country. Care aides are thrust into life-and-death situations without the training and with hardly any supervision. They perform a wide range of complex medical tasks from inserting feeding tubes to cleaning out infections and monitoring IV fluids. These are tasks that were only exercised in nursing homes and hospitals by highly trained medical professionals.

Many care aides say that they feel overwhelmed because they are underqualified, so they struggle to help their patients with their disabilities and illnesses.

Aides Have No Training or Not Enough Training in Many Cases

In Minnesota, there are over 100,000 care assistances that serve nearly 40,000 patients that need their care. All a person has to do to become a certified caregiver is take a brief test online with questions that most children could answer correctly.

The Star Tribune interviewed over two dozen personal care attendants in a two month period and it was found that only one of them had received more than an hour of training from their agency. Many said they have appealed to their employers for more training and supervision, but were told that the state was not paying them enough to cover the expense.

This has left the caregivers to fend for themselves. What this does is increase the chances of medication errors, patient injuries, and situations where the caregiver may be faced with saving the patient’s life with very little experience in how to do so. Many times, the caregivers are forced to violate rules that are in place to protect vulnerable adults. In the interviews, unlicensed care attendants said they usually administer very powerful prescription medications, sterilize wounds, and they inject medications into the veins of patients. The state prohibits such practices from being performed by care assistances.

Many times, the employers are not aware of the risks that they take on because of the largely unsupervised caregivers. This is a pattern that is playing out all across the country when personal care agencies are supposed to employ qualified professionals. At some of the larger agencies, the professional staff oversees hundreds of patients and the aides are needed. Some personal care assistants say that they feel like they don’t exist as they express their needs and nothing is done.

Woman Wanted No Intervention From Nursing Home to Prevent Death

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 27th March 2013 | Category: Facilities - Nursing Homes, Failure to Provide CPR, Patient Rights, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Lack of Intervention – Failure to Provide CPR Contributes to Resident Death

What Intervention is Appropriate to Attempt to Prevent Death?

In an incident that has raised eyebrows, the family says that their family member who passed away while living in a nursing home didn’t want intervention.

In an incident where a nurse within a nursing home facility refused to comply with the pleas of a 911 operator to give a dying woman CPR, the family has come forward and said that the woman didn’t want CPR or any other intervention. The nurse had been questioned about the incident and a lot of outrage occurred because of this.

However, the family of the woman who died has expressed satisfaction with the nurse’s decision to not perform CPR because they said that’s what the woman’s wishes were. They said their loved one wanted to die naturally.

At the same time, the facility owner says that its employee did not follow proper procedures.

The death of a resident caused an uproar because of a 7-minute recording of the 911 call that was made. Initially, the facility owner said that the employee did the right thing by waiting until the emergency workers arrived at the care facility. It did a complete 180 degree turn when it issued a new statement in early March that said the employee had misunderstood the procedure and was on leave while an investigation took place.

Report Suspected Neglect – Failure to Provide Intervention CPR

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you have concerns about failure to provide CPR 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

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