St John Lutheran Home Springfield Cited After Resident Suicide Attempts
In a reported from the Minnesota Department of Health dated May 6, 2016, it is alleged that a resident at St John Lutheran Home Springfield was neglected when the facility staff failed to monitor for medication side effects and not assess a change in condition when the resident had five suicide attempts after starting a medication that has suicidal ideations as a known side effect. In addition, the facility failed to notify the family of these incidents.
St John Lutheran Home Springfield Complaint Findings for Neglect – Falls
In a report concluded on July 30, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites St John Lutheran Home Springfield for neglect of health care – falls.
The allegation is neglect based on the following: the AP did not reassess Resident #1 for possible injuries after a fall although she complained of increased pain and increased difficulty with transfers. As a result, there was a delay in Resident #1 being sent to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Substantiated Neglect Delay in Response After Fall
According to a bulletin from the Minnesota Department of Health, falls are among the most common and serious problems facing elderly persons. Falling is associated with considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced functioning and premature nursing home admissions from the community. Incidence rates of falls in nursing homes and hospitals are almost three times the rates for community-dwelling persons over the age of 65, (1.5 falls per bed annually). A key concern is not simply the high incidence of falls in older persons, but rather the combination of high incidence and a high susceptibility to injury.
A number of controlled studies have revealed that detecting a history of falls and performing a fall-related assessment are likely to reduce future probability of falls when coupled with interventions. (Guideline for Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention, May 2001).
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 fall 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.
