In less than a month, a resident at the Provena Cor Mariae Center in Rockford, Illinois suffered 3 falls resulting in a hip fracture and an extended hospital stay.
The incident reports filed at the Provena Cor Mariae Center are very typical of nursing home neglect cases involving nursing home falls. Late last year, the resident’s care plan was updated to show that the resident required 2 staff members to assist with most transfer activities including: sit to stand; stand to sit; stand pivot; bed to chair; chair to bed, and toilet transfers.
Instead, the staff consistently attempted to complete these maneuvers alone, and the result was inevitable. On January 2nd, the resident was assisted to a standing position by a single Provena Cor Mariae Center staff member using a gait belt. The resident’s leg gave out, but the certified nursing assistant was able to lower the resident to the floor without causing any physical damage.
On January 13th, a single CNA was attempting to transfer the resident from the toilet to a wheelchair. Again, the resident’s knee gave out. This time the resident complained of pain and was taken to a nearby community hospital in Rockford, Illinois for an evaluation. The result was negative.
On January 25th, the resident’s luck gave out. Another single person transfer was taking place. Again, the resident’s knee could not handle the strain. This time an X-ray revealed a fracture to her femur.
It’s sad when a nursing home like Provena Cor Mariae Center gets multiple opportunities to prevent nursing home neglect from taking place and, instead, ignores the warnings until real harm happens.
If you have a loved one who has been injured after multiple falls in an Illinois nursing home, know that they may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. When nursing homes know that they will be held responsible for the nursing home neglect that takes place in their facilities, the quality of that care will improve for everyone.
At my law offices, I offer a free consultation to anyone who has been injured due to nursing home falls. We would welcome the opportunity to speak to you.
Other blog posts on nursing home falls:
Resident falls from commode in Pontiac
Resident left on edge of bed at Manorcare – Libertyville falls
Failure to follow orders at Alden Waterford results in fall
Wheelchair accident at Avanti Wellness