Posts Tagged ‘Nursing Home Falls’

Spectrum Community Health Neglect After Fall and Exploitation Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 2nd February 2019 | Category: Fall Injuries, Financial Exploitation, Inadequate Staffing/Training, Nursing Home Care Issues | RSS Feed

Recent MDH Substantiated Neglect at Spectrum Community Health for medication theft.

Neglect Fall When Unsupervised in Bathrrom and Financial Exploitation by Staff at Spectrum Community Health Invergrove Heights Minnesota

Spectrum Community Health Complaint for Neglect Resulting in Femur Fracture

In a report dated November 20, 2015, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a client was neglected when s/he was unsupervised while in the bathroom and suffered and fall resulting in a femur fracture.

Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the client’s care plan was not followed, the client was left unattended in the bathroom and fell and sustained a fracture of the right hip.

The client received services from the facility that included physical assistance with toileting, safety checks, and medication management. The client’s service plan indicated to staff when to provide toileting assistance to the client and included that staff were to stay with the client while in the bathroom.

The day the client fell, the client had attended an activity and was walked back to his/her room by Employee A. Employee A left the resident on the toilet and told Employee B to check on him/her. The client attempted to self transfer and fell suffering a fracture injury to the right hip.

The client’s family was interviewed and stated that when the client was admitted to the facility, administrative staff ensured that the client’s serplan would indicate that the client would be supervised in the bathroom. The client’s family stated that they were called when the resident had a fall and were told that the client was left alone in the bathroom.

Spectrum Community Health Inver Grove Heights Complaint Findings for Exploitation

In a report concluded on September 9, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Spectrum Community Health Inver Grove Heights for exploitation by staff.

It is alleged that financial exploitation occurred when a staff person, alleged perpetrator (AP) made purchases totaling $1154.13 with a client’s credit card without permission.

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, financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse 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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Minnesota Nursing Home Neglect Fractures

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 29th January 2019 | Category: Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Resident Fractures From Falls

Nursing Home Neglect Fractures

Injuries such as nursing home neglect fractures are one of the most common types of elder neglect. Falls from patient lifts, wheelchairs, in the shower and bathroom or falling from bed are examples of preventable neglect in most cases.

Common types of fractures include head injuries and skull fractures, traumatic brain injury – subdural hematomas, broken arms, fractured hips, femurs and legs.

Information About Nursing Home Neglect Fractures

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, falls among nursing home residents occur frequently and repeatedly. About 1,800 older adults living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries and those who survive falls frequently sustain hip fractures and head injuries that result in permanent disability and reduced quality of life.

In 2003, 1.5 million people 65 and older lived in nursing homes. If current rates continue, by 2030 this number will rise to about 3 million.
About 5% of adults 65 and older live in nursing homes, but nursing home residents account for about 20% of deaths from falls in this age group.
Each year, a typical nursing home with 100 beds reports 100 to 200 falls. Many falls go unreported.
Between half and three-quarters of nursing home residents fall each year. That’s twice the rate of falls for older adults living in the community.
Patients often fall more than once. The average is 2.6 falls per person per year.
About 35% of fall injuries occur among residents who cannot walk.

Common Cause of Nursing Home Neglect Fractures

The CDC, provides a list of common reasons and causes for the falls and fractures:

Muscle weakness and walking or gait problems are the most common causes of falls among nursing home residents. These problems account for about 24% of the falls in nursing homes.
Environmental hazards in nursing homes cause 16% to 27% of falls among residents.
Such hazards include wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height, and improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs.
Medications can increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, are of particular concern. Fall risk is significantly elevated during the three days following any change in these types of medications.
Other causes of falls include difficulty in moving from one place to another (for example, from the bed to a chair), poor foot care, poorly fitting shoes, and improper or incorrect use of walking aids.

Nursing Home Neglect Fractures Attorney

If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect and fractures or other fall related injuries contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly 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

CentraCare Cited with Neglect After Resident Suffers Fracture after Fall

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 9th January 2019 | Category: Fall Injuries | RSS Feed

Resident Suffers Arm Fracture and Facial Injuries After Fall from Edge of Bed

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that neglect occurred at CentraCare Health Systems in Sauk Centre when staff/alleged perpetrator (AP) did not adequately supervise a resident. The resident fell and sustained a fracture.

Resident at CentraCare Falls after Being Left on Edge of Bed Suffers Right Arm Fracture

For a Free Consultation with an Experienced Elder Neglect Attorney call Kenneth LaBore Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589.

Resident at CentraCare Suffers Broken Arm from Fall

Neglect was substantiated. The AP was responsible for maltreatment. Although he facility provided training to the AP and properly assessed the resident’s care needs, the AP unsafely left the resident sitting alone at the edge of her bed. The resident fell and sustained a fracture of her right upper arm and significant facial bruising. The AP then moved the resident back to bed without an assessment, and did not report the fall to nursing staff.

Many fall accidents are due to a lack of monitoring or attention from staff. Most accidents which result in a fall are preventable with proper care and supervision.

Report Suspected Elder Abuse

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you suspect elder or vulnerable adult neglect or abuse contact the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-844-880-1574.

If you have concerns about care provided to a resident in a nursing home, assisted living or any other type of elder care provider contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a Free Consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

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Fall from Patient Mechanical Lift – Knee Injury at Alex Assisted Living

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 4th January 2018 | Category: Fall Injuries, Uncategorized | RSS Feed

Resident at Alex Assisted Living Falls from Patient Lift

Alex Assisted Living, Fall from Mechanical Lift

The Minnesota Department of Health has concluded that based on a preponderance of evidence, the allegation that a client was neglected at Alex Assisted Living in Alexandria Minnesota when the client fell out and landed on the floor during a mechanical lift.

Fall from Mechanical Lift at Alex Assisted Living

The MDH investigation determined that the home care provider failed to complete regular maintenance checks on the lift equipment. As a result, a mechanical standing lift broke while lifting the client and the client injured his /her knee.

If you have concerns about elder abuse and neglect contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a Free Consultation at 1-888-452-6589

Maltreatment Due to Fall At Alex Assisted Living

There are many common of forms of elder abuse and neglect often the result of a lack of qualified well trained staff to supervise and provide the necessary resident cares. The failure to provide maintenance on specialty medical equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, and mechanical lifts is the underlying reason for many incidents which include residents being dropped or falling out of lifts, lifts tipping over with the resident, or collapsing or tipping lifts.

Most forms of elder abuse and neglect are preventable. If you are concerned about someone you love call Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation.

There are many types of ways someone can get injured in a care facility if they are not be cared for properly. Elopement or wandering can lead to many hazards including the possibility of death from freezing, burns, assaults, falls and others.

Attorney Kenneth LaBore from Guardian Legal Services, LLC has been representing victims of abuse, neglect and other injuries for decades. Our focus is on getting accountability for serious acts of maltreatment, abuse and preventable neglect.

Report Abuse and Neglect

If you have concerns about physical abuse, falls, mechanical lifts, financial exploitation 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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Resident at Cook County Northshore Falls from Lift and Fractures Arm

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 21st March 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Patient Lift | RSS Feed

Fractures and Other Injuries – Cook County Northshore Resident Falls from Lift and Fractures Arm

Preventable Neglect – Cook County Northshore Resident Falls from Lift and Fractures Arm

In a report dated February 28, 2017, from the Minnesota Department of Health a resident at Cook County Northshore Hospital and Care Center in Grand Marais was neglected with the alleged perpetrator (AP) transferred the resident with the use of a standing lift. The resident sustained a fractured arm.

Cook County Northshore Substantiated Neglect after Fall with Fracture

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the AP transferred the resident with a mechanical standing lift and did use the seated sling strap that was necessary for a safe transfer. The resident was injured during the transfer and fractured and arm.

The resident had dementia. The resident’s care card indicated the resident required one staff to use a standing lift for all transfers. The resident’s care card instructed staff to use the seated sling strap and leg strap when using the mechanical standing lift with the resident.

After a shower, the AP attempted to transfer the resident from the shower chair to the resident’s wheelchair. The AP used a standing lift for the transfer. The AP applied the back strap and the leg strap, but did not secure the seated sling strap. Before the resident was lowered into the wheelchair, the resident stepped backward off the standing lift platform. The AP turned the resident’s call light on for help. A couple minutes passed and no one responded to the call light. The AP left the resident’s room with the resident on the standing lift. A couple of minutes later the AP returned with another staff member. The resident slipped further down in the standing lift. The back strap caught the resident under the arms. The resident hung in the lift by the arms. The resident’s legs were twisted. The nurse assessed the resident. The resident had pain in the right arm and bruises. The resident was transferred to the clinic. An x-ray was obtained, and the resident had a fracture of the right proximal humerus.

The physician was interviewed and indicated the resident’s injuries were consistent with the events of the transfer.

The alleged perpetrator was interviewed and said s/he was not trained to use the seated sling strap and was not trained to look at the care card before providing care to the resident. The AP stated the training she received to use the standing lift equipment was done by following another staff member.

Staff interviews and training documents confirmed the AP was not trained to use the resident’s care card, standing lift equipment, and seated sling strap.

Report Suspected Neglect or Quality of Care Issues – Cook County Northshore Hospital

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

Kenneth LaBore has a love of the Northshore and has a home in the Grand Marais area and is available to meet you in Grand Marais at your convenience.

If you have concerns about falls from Hoyer or other mechanical lifts 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

Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 22nd February 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Patient Lift | RSS Feed

Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee Resident Suffers Head Injuries After Fall During Transfer From Mechanical Lift

Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee Neglect After Fall From Patient Lift

In a report dated, January 26, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a resident at Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee was neglected when the resident fell from a mechanical lift from the height of his/her bed and sustained an injury on his/her head.

Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee Neglect Substantiated After Injuries From Resident Being Dropped From Mechanical Lift

The report states, based on a preponderance of evidence, the resident was neglected when s/he fell from the mechanical lift and sustained a laceration to his/her head requiring stitches. Although the staff members involved stated they used the lift in the manner they were trained, the sling became detached from the lift and the resident fell from the sling. No maintenance records for the lift could be located.

Medical record review revealed the resident was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included osteoarthritis and chronic pain. The resident’s care plan indicated the resident was to be transferred with the maximum assistance of 2 staff and mechanical lift. (A mechanical lift is mechanical lift device that uses a sling and device to lift a resident and move them from one surface to another such as from a bed to a chair.

Staff interviews revealed on 9/7/2016 two staff members, AP1 and AP2, were getting the resident out of the bed using a mechanical lift. During the lift, the resident fell out of the lift sling. Staff members stated they attached the sling to the lift in the usual manner and lifted the resident off the bed. When moving resident to the wheelchair, the wheels on the lift caught and staff had to push the lift hard to get it to move. During the transfer the resident slid out of the sling head first to the floor. After the resident fell to the floor, staff observed the sling was attached by only 3 of the 4 attachments points. Staff stated the wheels on the lift had been sticking, and staff told maintenance about the issue, but the problem continued. Staff call 911 and sent the resident to the hospital for evaluation after the fall.

The hospital record revealed the resident was evaluated in the hospital, received stitches to a laceration to his/her head, but CT scan and X-Rays were negative for fracture or further injury. The resident went back to the facility the next day with his/her pain controlled with oral medication.

During an interview, the resident’s stated s/he fell when staff were trying to help him/her get up. The resident stated s/he is getting better, but still has some pain related to injuries sustained in the fall.

During an interview, the resident’s family member stated facility staff informed him/her of the resident’s fall from the lift, but s/he did not know a lot of details of what happened. The resident went to the hospital after the fall and had four stiches to his/her head. The resident is feeling better now, and did not break any bones.

During interviews, maintenance staff stated the lift involved in the incident had been discarded and was not available for observation. Maintenance staff stated they received a concern related to the sticking wheels on the lift in July 2016, but they were not able to identify which lift needed repair, because was no consistent way to identify the lifts in use at the facility. In July 2016, they lubricated and cleaned the wheels on all the lifts and the lifts seemed to be functioning correctly at that time. Maintenance staff stated they had no documentation of the maintenance done on the lift in question, because the maintenance staff use different descriptions of the lifts than the nursing assistant staff. Maintenance staff have to walk around and try to ask staff which lift they are referring to when they get a concern. Maintenance provide a monthly cleaning, dusting and oiling of the lifts, but this is not documented.

Manufacturers recommendations for maintenance of the lift includes regularly checking all areas of the lift including the hanger assembly, all bolts, cotter pins, sling hanger/spreader bar meet points, hanger spreader wear points, hooks, mounting bolts, actuator, emergency stop switch, emergency lowering feature, anti-pinch feature, wheels and brakes, and every six months use a test load to check for unusual sounds/noises and check and welds for cracks.

Shakopee Friendship Manor Shakopee – Report Suspected Abuse and Neglect

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

If you have concerns about financial exploitation 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

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 20th February 2017 | Category: Abuse and Neglect Attorney | RSS Feed

Protect Vulnerable Adults From Injury – Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Kenneth LaBore and Suzanne Scheller

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Attorneys Kenneth LaBore, Esq. and Suzanne Scheller, Esq. have separate firms but work together on many serious injury elder abuse and neglect and wrongful death cases splitting the contingent fee at no additional expense to the client. Neither attorney is paid unless they win a verdict or get a settlement offered by the wrongdoer. Nursing home neglect and abuse cases are complicated claims and often involve allegations which require expert witness support and use of wrongful death statutes. Mr. LaBore and Ms. Scheller only handle cases with very serious injury, assault or death. They work hard to get accountability from facilities and to ensure as much as possible that policy and procedure and other changes including training are made to protect residents still in the facility.

We represent clients and their families throughout the state of Minnesota and will come to meet with you if you are unable to meet in one of our offices.

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Providers

To find a nursing home provider in Minnesota you can check the Minnesota Department of Health website for information on licensure of potential facilities, finding a facility, including complaint history, state survey reports, resident bill of rights, Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card, CMS Medicare Five Star Rating system under Nursing Home Compare and more information related to nursing home and elder care providers.

To check for the updated list of providers in Minneapolis see Minnesota Department of Health Provider lookup.

For more information on selecting a nursing home see Choosing a Facility.

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Facilities in Cologne

We can investigate and handle cases against Cologne area facilities as well as other elder care providers in Carver County and throughout the state of Minnesota.

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore

Kenneth LaBore is a Minnesota Attorney who knows how to fight and hold negligent nursing homes accountable. Mr. LaBore is a skilled investigative trial attorney with well over two decades of experience who represents victims and family members in cases involving nursing home elder negligence and abuse.

For information about nursing home nursing home Medicaid Survey inspection findings see “survey findings”.

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Report Suspected Abuse

Pursuant to Minn. Statute 144.7065, Subd. 7, potential criminal events, events reportable under this subdivision are:

(1) any instance of care ordered by or provided by someone impersonating a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other licensed health care provider;
(2) abduction of a patient of any age;
(3) sexual assault on a patient within or on the grounds of a facility; and
(4) death or serious injury of a patient or staff member resulting from a physical assault that occurs within or on the grounds of a facility.

In addition to the reporting requirements for the facility you should also report any physical or sexual abuse to the local police department and the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaint, OHFC. See the attached for more information about reporting elder abuse and neglect.

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

The Minnesota Department of Health MDH, Office of Health Facility Complaints, OHFC, protects the identity of the person making the complaint and the mistreated patient or resident. Serious questions of health or safety are investigated within two business days.

Cologne Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Kenneth LaBore and Suzanne Scheller

If you have concerns about nursing home or assisted living elder abuse and neglect injuries and you are interested in a free consultation to discuss your case call Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com. If the elder neglect and abuse case is accepted you would have two experienced lawyers fighting for accountability on your behalf.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 6th February 2017 | Category: Elder Physical Abuse, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Kenneth LaBore and Suzanne Scheller

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

We represent clients and their families throughout the state of Minnesota and will come to meet with you if you are unable to meet in one of our offices.

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Providers

To check for the updated list of providers in Minneapolis see Minnesota Department of Health Provider lookup.

For more information on selecting a nursing home see Choosing a Facility.

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Facilities in Plymouth

We can investigate and handle cases against these Plymouth facilities as well as others in Hennepin County and throughout the state of Minnesota:

Name: INTERLUDE
Address: 2775 CAMPUS DRIVE NORTH
PLYMOUTH, MN 55441
Phone: 763-577-3400 Fax: 763-577-3401
Administrator: MR. GREG BAUMBERGER
Minnesota Licensed Bed Capacity: (Nursing Home Beds = 50)
Federally Certified Beds: (Dual Medicare/Medicaid Skilled Nursing and Nursing Facility Beds = 50)

Name: MISSION NURSING HOME
Address: 3401 EAST MEDICINE LAKE BLVD
PLYMOUTH, MN 55441
Phone: 763-559-3123 Fax: 763-559-0604
Administrator: MR. TIMOTHY MEYER
Minnesota Licensed Bed Capacity: (Nursing Home Beds = 97)
Federally Certified Beds: (Dual Medicare/Medicaid Skilled Nursing and Nursing Facility Beds = 97)

Name: TRILLIUM WOODS
Address: 14585 59TH AVENUE NORTH
PLYMOUTH, MN 55446
Phone: 763-744-9400 Fax: 763-559-1799
Administrator: MS. ELIZABETHANN FETNER
Minnesota Licensed Bed Capacity: (Nursing Home Beds = 44)
Federally Certified Beds: (Dual Medicare/Medicaid Skilled Nursing and Nursing Facility Beds = 44)

For more information about nursing home facility MDH Complaints see “facilities”.

For more information about nursing home nursing home Medicaid Survey inspection findings see “survey findings”.

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Report Suspected Abuse

Pursuant to Minn. Statute 144.7065, Subd. 7, potential criminal events, events reportable under this subdivision are:

Plymouth Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Kenneth LaBore and Suzanne Scheller

If you have concerns about nursing home or assisted living elder abuse and neglect injuries and you are interested in a free consultation to discuss your case call Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com. Mr. LaBore can also be reached at 1-888-452-6569. If the elder neglect and abuse case is accepted you would have two lawyers fighting for accountability on your behalf.

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Falls From Bed in Nursing Homes

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 30th January 2017 | Category: Bed Rail Strangulation and Asphyxiation, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Injuries Falls From Bed

Falls From Bed

There are many injuries which happen in areas you would think you are safe such as in bed. It is not uncommon for vulnerable adults such as nursing home residents to have falls from bed from rolling out of bed, or losing their balance exiting or entering bed. Serious injuries can occur from falling from the bed and hitting the bed, floor or nightstand or other obstacle near the bed such as a table or oxygen tank. Residents can suffer femur and hip fractures, and other life threatening injuries such as head injuries with hematomas. Many accident also happen when residents are transferred from wheelchairs to bed or from mechanical patient lifts to and from beds and lose balance or fall from the lift.

Approximately 1.8 million emergency room visits and over 400 thousand hospital admission occur to those over the age of 65 resulted from falling out of bed according to the Center for Disease Control.

Falls From Bed Can Be Prevented

Pursuant to 42 CFR 483.25, quality of care is a fundamental principle that applies to all treatment and care provided to facility residents. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that residents receive treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and the resident’s choices, including but not limited to the following:

(d) Accidents. The facility must ensure that—

(1) The resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as is possible; and

(2) Each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.

(n) Bed rails. The facility must attempt to use appropriate alternatives prior to installing a side or bed rail. If a bed or side rail is used, the facility must ensure correct installation, use, and maintenance of bed rails, including but not limited to the following elements.

(1) Assess the resident for risk of entrapment from bed rails prior to installation.

(2) Review the risks and benefits of bed rails with the resident or resident representative and obtain informed consent prior to installation.

(3) Ensure that the bed’s dimensions are appropriate for the resident’s size and weight.

(4) Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications for installing and maintaining bed rails.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.7056, Subdivision 1., each facility shall report to the commissioner the occurrence of any of the adverse health care events described in subdivisions 2 to 7 as soon as is reasonably and practically possible, but no later than 15 working days after discovery of the event. The report shall be filed in a format specified by the commissioner and shall identify the facility but shall not include any identifying information for any of the health care professionals, facility employees, or patients involved. The commissioner may consult with experts and organizations familiar with patient safety when developing the format for reporting and in further defining events in order to be consistent with industry standards.

Minnesota Statute 144,7065, Subd. 5., mandates reporting under care management events. Events reportable under this subdivision (7) patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility

Attorney For Falls From Bed

I you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect and fractures or other fall related injuries contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Falls In Shower in Nursing Home

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 30th January 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Grab Bars, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Falls in Shower in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities

Falls In Shower Need to Be Prevented

Nursing homes are required by federal law to provide each resident with care and services based on their individual needs. Nursing homes must provide assistance with toileting, bathing, hygiene routines such as bathing or showering as needed.

According to 42 CFR 483.24, quality of life is a fundamental principle that applies to all care and services provided to facility residents. Each resident must receive and the facility must provide the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, consistent with the resident’s comprehensive assessment and plan of care.

(b) Activities of daily living. The facility must provide care and services in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section for the following activities of daily living:

(1) Hygiene—bathing, dressing, grooming, and oral care,

(2) Mobility—transfer and ambulation, including walking,

(3) Elimination—toileting,

(4) Dining—eating, including meals and snacks,

(5) Communication, including

(i) Speech,
(ii) Language,
(iii) Other functional communication systems.

Injuries From Falls In Shower

There are many common ways that falls happen related to showering and bathing in an elder care facility. Often the resident has some form of physical or cognitive disability and needs assistance of staff and perhaps of mechanical devices to lift or support such as a shower chair. Many of the injuries are serious and result in lacerations and cuts, head injuries, fractured bones such as femurs, hip joints and pelvis, and other injuries that result in disability or death to the resident.

Information about Falls in Shower

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2008, approximately 21.8 million persons aged ≥15 years sustained nonfatal, unintentional injuries, resulting in approximately $67.3 billion in lifetime medical costs. Information about where injuries occur is limited, but bathrooms commonly are believed to be a particularly hazardous location. To investigate this assumption, CDC analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of emergency departments (EDs) to describe the incidence and circumstances of nonfatal injuries in bathrooms (in any setting) among persons aged ≥15 years in the United States. This report describes the results of that investigation, which found that, based on 3,339 cases documented in the 2008 National Electronic Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) database, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries were treated in U.S. EDs. Injury rates increased with age, and most injuries (81.1%) were caused by falls. All persons, but especially older adults, should be aware of bathroom activities that are associated with a high risk for injury and of environmental modifications that might reduce that risk.

The highest rates were for injuries that occurred in or around the tub or shower (65.8 per 100,000) and injuries that happened on or near the toilet (22.5 per 100,000). The precipitating events in 37.3% of injuries were bathing (excluding slipping while bathing), showering, or getting out of the tub or shower; only 2.2% occurred while getting into the tub or shower. The precipitating event for 17.3% of injuries was slipping, which included slipping while bathing; 14.1% occurred when standing up from, sitting down on, or using the toilet; and 5.5% were attributed to an antecedent loss of consciousness.

The CDC article on bathroom fall injuries continues, injury rates increased with age, especially those that occurred on or near the toilet, which increased from 4.1 per 100,000 among persons aged 15–24 years to 266.6 among persons aged ≥85 years. Injuries occurring in or around the tub or shower also increased markedly, from 49.7 per 100,000 among persons aged 15–24 years to 200.2 among persons aged ≥85 years. Within each 10-year age category, the relative proportion of injuries differed by location within the bathroom. The proportion of injuries in or around the tub or shower was highest among persons aged 15–24 years (84.5%) and lowest among persons aged ≥85 years (38.9%), whereas the proportion of injuries that happened on or near the toilet was lowest among persons aged 15–24 years (7.0%) and highest among persons aged ≥85 years (51.7%).

In addition to falls in shower there are also other serious injuries which can occur in the bathroom including scalding burns from hot water in the shower or at the sink.

Falls in Shower Neglect Attorney

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