Recent MDH Finding of Neglect at Presbyterian Homes Bloomington for exploitation of staff.
Call Light at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington Minnesota
Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington – Neglect – Failing to Respond to Call Light
In a report concluded on July 29, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington for neglect of health care – call light.
It is alleged that neglect occurred when a resident was not adequately monitored and her call light was not answered timely when resident was short of breath, anxious, and had been given a diuretic medication for a weight gain in two days. The resident was later found unresponsive and not breathing and attempts to resuscitate her were not successful.
Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington – Not Responding to Call Light
Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect of the resident is substantiated. The facility failed to ensure the staff consistently monitored and documented the resident’s status.
According to Medscape.org, residents in long-term care attach importance to the response to their call lights. A review of nursing home complaints submitted via the National Ombudsman Reporting System reveals that the number one complaint of long-term care residents is failure of staff to respond to call lights or requests by residents for assistance.
In long-term care, unanswered call lights can lead to inadequate care for residents as well as injuries from falls. Chronic staffing shortages are often responsible for failure to respond to residents’ call lights. Falls may ensue when residents cannot get assistance for activities of daily living. Some geriatric patients hesitate to use call lights, not wishing to “bother” the staff, whereas others may be cognitively or physically unable to activate their nurse-call buttons. In long-term care facilities, call light usage is heavy at bedtime.
For those too weak or otherwise unable to press a standard call button, squeeze-bulb, touch-pad, or breath pressure-activated nurse-call controls are available. Nurse-call pendants (water-resistant pendants that can be attached to lanyards, belt-clips, or wrist bands) allow mobility for residents in long-term care facilities.
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 delay in response to a call light 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.
