Choking Allegation at West Wind Village Morris Minnesota

West Wind Village Morris Complaint Findings for Neglect – Choking

In a report concluded on March 14, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites West Wind Village Morris for neglect of health care – choking.  The allegation is neglect base on the following: a resident choked and was sent to the hospital with aspiration pneumonia after a nursing assistant, and kitch staff gave the resident a salad with cucumbers.  The resident’s care plan called for a mechanical soft diet.

Substantiated Complaint of Neglect Against West Wind Village in Morris

Based on a preponderance of evidence neglect is substantiated.  The resident was served food that was not included on the resident’s specialized diet, which resulted in the resident choking on a piece of raw cucumber.

Documentation and interviews established that the resident had a history of swallowing difficulties and choking episodes.  Approximately 2 weeks prior to the incident, the resident was hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs and airways to the lungs from breathing in foreign material) after choking on a hot dog.  The resident returned to the facility on a mechanical soft (diet used for people who have difficulty in chewing or swallowing) with no hot dog diet.  The resident was confused with memory loss.

Documentation and interviews revealed that during a lunch meal the resident requested a salad, which included lettuce and raw cucumbers.  The resident’s diet card was located at the resident’s table, and indicated that the resident was to receive a mechanical soft diet.  Staff did not verify the resident’s diet, and served the resident a salad with raw cucumbers, which was not allowed on the resident’s mechanical soft diet.  The resident choked and became unconscious.  Staff performed the Heimlich maneuver, abdominal thrusts, and called 911.

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 choking or asphyxiation 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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Improper Diet Choking at Transition Healthcare Minneapolis Minnesota

Transition Healthcare Minneapolis Complaint Findings for “Other” – Choking

In a report concluded on December 28, 2010, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Transition Healthcare Minneapolis for “other” – choking.

The allegation is neglect based on the following information: Client #1 was not provided the appropriate diet ordered and choked while eating supper.

Substantiated Neglect Against Transition Healthcare – More Information About Choking Risk to Seniors

According to the Mayo clinic, choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit. Young children often swallow small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible.

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn’t give the signal, look for these indications:

•Inability to talk
•Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
•Inability to cough forcefully
•Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
•Loss of consciousness

If choking is occurring, the Red Cross recommends a “five-and-five” approach to delivering first aid:

•Give 5 back blows. First, deliver five back blows between the person’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
•Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).
•Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

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 choking or ashyxiation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect 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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Neglect, Choking, Asphyxiation, Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls Minnesota

Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls Complaint Findings for Neglect

In a report concluded on March 17, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls for neglect of health care.

It is alleged that neglect occurred when a resident choked on a hot dog and bun which was not in accordance with the resident’s physician ordered diet.  The food was removed when the Heimlich maneuver was successfully performed by staff.

Resident Choked on Food at Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls

Based on a preponderance of evidence the allegation of neglect is substantiated.  The resident’s physician orders and care plan interventions directed staff to provide the resident a mechanical soft food texture diet (ground meat) without bread and bread products.  The resident was assisted by staff to eat a hotdog with a bun, choked and required the Heimlich maneuver (an emergency technique for preventing suffocation when the windpipe becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object) to dislodge the hotdog and bread.

Interviews with staff present during the incident established no one recalled placing the food in front of the resident.  The nursing assistant that fed the resident said s/he was not aware the resident should not be given a regular consistency hotdog and bread.

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 choking, asphyxiation or any form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder 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