OAK PARK HEIGHTS, MN – A Minnesota assisted living facility was accused of neglect following the death of one of its residents, according to a report by KARE11.
The complaint was filed against Oak Park Senior Living in Oak Park Heights, and was substantiated in a recent report released by investigators with the Minnesota Department of Health.
According to the report, a resident became entangled in a bed rail in his room last December. When an unlicensed employee went to his room to help the man with a shower, he found him on the floor with his arm wedged between the frame of his bed and a bed rail, with his feet pinned underneath his motorized wheelchair. That employee called 911.
The resident later told first responders he had been stuck for two days and had requested staff check on him. He was rushed to the hospital and died four days later from complications he had suffered, including sepsis and kidney failure.
A medical examiner found the resident died from complications of prolonged partial entrapment in the side rail. Investigators determined that rail was not assessed by nursing staff for safety or potential dangers. The Minnesota Department of Health fined the Oak Park Heights $5,000.
The employee who found the resident told investigators said he was supposed to receive a safety check from a different employee earlier that morning but claimed that employee didn’t always complete her required duties.
The Department of Health ruled that a claim of neglect was substantiated, saying the facility “failed to follow professional standards and/or exercise professional judgment. The facility failed to act in good faith interest of the vulnerable adult.”
The MDH report says Oak Park Senior Living has changed its procedures for conducting safety checks and nursing assessments of patient needs and equipment.
Oak Park Senior Living has an opportunity to appeal the ruling. Residence Director Terri Pratt released the following statement to WCCO:
“While this incident is truly unfortunate, it is not a reflection of the overall quality of care provided at Oak Park Senior Living. We strive to provide the type of high quality, compassionate care that residents and their families want, expect and deserve. We are sorry for the pain this has caused to this resident’s family. Our first priority—always—is to provide quality care and to keep residents safe. As a result of this incident, Oak Park Senior Living has evaluated and updated its procedures for conducting safety checks and nursing assessments of patient needs and equipment.”
Types of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect is a form of abuse that happens when caregivers fail to provide the necessary care and attention to meet a resident’s basic needs. Neglect can be just as harmful as active abuse, causing serious physical and emotional consequences.
Medical Neglect: Medical neglect happens when staff members fail to provide adequate medical care, causing untreated health issues such as infections, bedsores, and mobility problems. This also includes medication errors, failure to administer prescribed treatments, and not assisting with daily medical needs.
Personal Hygiene Neglect: Personal hygiene neglect occurs when caregivers do not assist residents with essential hygiene tasks such as bathing, dental care, and changing soiled clothing. This leads to poor hygiene, skin infections, dental problems, and a general decline in health and well-being.
Basic Needs Neglect: Basic needs neglect involves failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and a safe environment for nursing home residents. This results in malnutrition, dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, and exposure to hazards.
Social or Emotional Neglect: Social or emotional neglect occurs when staff members ignore residents, leaving them isolated or preventing them from interacting with others. This leads to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a decline in mental well-being.
Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Identifying nursing home abuse and neglect can be challenging, as some signs may not be immediately apparent. However, by familiarizing yourself with the common indicators, you can better protect your loved ones and take action if necessary.
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