Negligent Supervision of Resident at Westwood of Duluth Leads to Consumption of Cleaning Products
According the Minnesota Department of Health, a client at Westwood of Duluth was the victim of neglect when the facility did not provide a safe environment. The vulnerable client consumed a caustic substance which causes severe burns to the esophagus and stomach. The client subsequently died three days later.
The report from state goes on to state that neglect was substantiated. The facility was responsible for maltreatment. The facility failed to implement safety precautions when the client had a history of climbing over the kitchen gate, failure to otherwise secure chemical cleaners, and client ingested one and died.
Resident Suffered Sexual Abuse According to MDH
In a MDH report it was alleged that a resident at Westwood Duluth was sexually assaulted by another resident at the facility. Neglect was substantiated by the state. The facility was responsible for the maltreatment. Multiple facility registered Nurses (RNs) failed to complete an assessment and address the change in condition for client #2 after client #1 had sexual contact with client #2. Facility nurses also failed to assess and address client #1’s change in behaviors.
Preventable Neglect at Westwood of Duluth
Additional issues of concerned at the facility were cited by the state including, exploitation of residents by drug diversion, and abuse and exploitation.
The state of Minnesota has several resources for residents and providers, including resident bill of rights for nursing homes, bill of rights for hospice, information for assisted living facilities and supervised living facilities.
If you are interested in viewing facility and provider complaint and survey findings they are available on the MDH website. You can also use the MDH website to verify a facility license or professional credentials. There is also a link to check the Nursing Assistant Registry.
The MDH website also includes information that is meant for providers but is very helpful for caregivers and residents as well. There are nursing home training videos, nursing assistant training information, and information on the Case Mix Review, and federal nursing home regulation resources.
If you are looking for a nursing home facility or elder care provider the MDH offers information on how to find a facility. The website allows you to look for a provider based on the type of care or facility needed and by city, county and provider name.
If you are concerned about a lack of attention or a failure to provide proper supervision leading to and injury, including sexual abuse to a vulnerable adult in an elder care facility contact an experienced attorney for a free no obligation consultation at 612-743-9048.
