Serious Burn Injuries Suffered to Resident at Heritage House of Milaca
Heritage House of Milaca Neglect Due to Horrific Oxygen Burn Injuries
In a report dated February 3, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health, alleged that a resident at Heritage House of Milaca was not supervised when the resident had oxygen and an oxygen mask on, lit up a cigarette and sustained burns to the side of the face and lungs. Staff extinguished the fire and called for emergency medical services. The resident was transferred to a hospital and then transferred to a burn unit at a second hospital.
Heritage House of Milaca Preventable Burns to Resident Using Oxygen
The MDH Substantiated Complaint of Neglect continues: based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the staff failed to provide adequate supervision, and a client lit a cigarette, while using the liquid oxygen, and was burned.
The client had a diagnosis that included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and schizophrenia. The client received home care services and required assistance with oxygen management. The client was a known smoker; however, the risks related to smoking with oxygen were not assessed, and the only clear rule from the home care provider was no smoking indoors. The client was mostly compliant with removing the oxygen tank prior to going outside to smoke, but staff were aware the client sometimes smoke outside with the oxygen tank still attached, either turning the flow off or pulling the oxygen tubing away from his/her nose.
On the day of incident, a staff member assisted the client outside to get fresh air on the patio. The client had his/her liquid oxygen tank attached to the wheelchair and was using a nasal cannula to deliver oxygen with the flow on. The client received a cigarette from another client while on the patio. When the client used the lighter, the oxygen tubing ignited. The client removed the oxygen tubing from his/her nose and walked away from the wheelchair and the oxygen tank. A staff member assisted the client inside through a door furthest from the fire, while another staff member called emergency services and extinguished the fire. The client was given a cold wash cloth to apply to the burns on the side of the face and was transported to the hospital.
The client was transferred to a burn unit to treat his/her injuries. The client had a second degree burns to the right side of the face including, the cheek, nose, eyelid, and eyebrow. In addition, the client experienced soot and burn damage to his lungs and airway. The client required intubation for two days and a feeding tube for ten days. The client was hospitalized for sixteen days and discharged back to the home care provider with ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy (for swallowing concerns). The client continued to require ointment treatment to the facial burns.
The client was interviewed while in the hospital. The client remained on tube feedings, and was on oxygen, and required treatment of the burns. The client was lethargic, but able to arouse to answer questions. The client stated s/he had forgotten to take his/her oxygen prior to lighting a cigarette.
Heritage House of Milaca – Report Abuse and Neglect
Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection
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.
Hold Negligent Providers Like Heritage House of Milaca Accountable
Attorney Kenneth LaBore has handled many preventable serious and fatal burn injuries, many due to the failure to follow safety policies and procedures related to oxygen use and smoking. Burns can also happen from scalding water, heaters and electric pads and blankets and other ways.
If you have concerns about burn injuries 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.
Disclaimer
Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589
_______________________________________________
Physical Abuse by Staff Heritage House of Milaca Minnesota
Heritage House of Milaca Complaint Findings for Exploitation
In a report concluded on January 31, 2011, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Heritage House of Milaca for exploitation by staff.
The allegation is abused based on the following: Employee (A), alleged perpetrator (AP) grabbed Client #1’s wrist causing bruising on Client #1’s hand and wrist.
Substantiated Complaint Against Heritage House of Milaca
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse is a growing problem. While we don’t know all of the details about why abuse occurs or how to stop its spread, we do know that help is available for victims. Concerned people, like you, can spot the warning signs of a possible problem, and make a call for help if an elder is in need of assistance.
•Physical Abuse
•Sexual Abuse
•Emotional or Psychological Abuse
•Neglect
•Abandonment
•Financial or Material Exploitation
•Self-neglect
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 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.
