River Oaks at Shady Ridge - Wounds on Coccyx and Foot
River Oaks at Shady Ridge – Wounds. According to excerpts from a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, they investigated an allegation of maltreatment, in accordance with the Minnesota Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults Act, Minn. Stat. 626.557, and to evaluate compliance with applicable licensing standards for the provider type.
According to the report the facility neglected the resident when he was found to have an unstageable wound on his coccyx, right foot, and left heel.
Wounds and infection - River Oaks at Shady Ridge
The Minnesota Department of Health determined neglect was substantiated against River Oaks at Shady Ridge.
The facility was responsible for the maltreatment. The resident developed wound on his right foot and left heel and the facility took appropriate steps for those wounds. However, the resident developed an unstageable pressure ulcer on his coccyx, which was not identified until an appointment with a wound clinic.
The investigator conducted interviews with facility staff members, including administrative staff, nursing staff, and unlicensed staff. The investigation included review of the resident’s records, incident reports, personnel files, staff schedules, policies, and procedures.
According to the MDH report, the resident lived in an assisted living facility and had diagnoses of type 2 diabetes and abnormalities of gait and mobility. The resident’s service plan included reminders to use the toilet and specified that the resident wore a pull-up during the day and a tab brief at night to manage incontinence. Caregivers were instructed to encourage the resident to use a urinal if he was unable to reach the bathroom. The service plan also indicated that the resident required assistance from one staff member for bathing. Additionally, staff were required to use a gait belt and walker when assisting the resident with transfers.
The MDH report continues that state that during an interview, the manager, who is a nurse, stated that the first time she became aware of the resident’s foot injury was when he contracted COVID-19 at the end of December. She said the resident kicked the bottom of his bed, causing an open wound on his right foot. She also said that when she checked on him the following day, she noticed a wound on his left heel.
After inquiring with staff members, she found that no one was aware of it. She stated that the wound on his left heel was likely caused by prolonged periods of bed rest. She became aware of his coccyx wound a week later, at which point it was already open.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Department of Health determined neglect was substantiated.
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If you have questions or concerns about wound care or infections suffered by someone you love contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a Free Consultation at 612-743-9048.