Nursing home residents can quickly develop a preventable pressure sore if they lack the ability to reposition or turn themselves every two hours or less. To prevent a resident from developing a facility-acquired pressure sore the nursing staff must follow a written plan of care and turn, readjust or reposition the resident’s body at least one time every two hours. Any failure to perform a repositioning routine can result in a painful, often times life-threatening, bedsore.
In fact, The Joliet nursing home bed sore attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center LLC have seen a significant rise in the number of nursing home-acquired bedsore cases in recent years. Contact the Nursing Home Law Center today for a free review of your case and legal options.
Certain individuals in the nursing facility are more highly likely to develop a pressure sore (pressure ulcer; decubitus ulcer; bedsore) than others. Residents that are highly susceptible include:
The areas on the body that have a high susceptibility to developing bedsores include elbows, tailbone, heels, shoulder blades, shoulders and any bony area that lacks muscle and fat between the skin and bone.
Even if the bedsore does develop while the resident is staying at the facility, the nursing staff can provide effective medical treatment to ensure it does not degrade to a debilitating state. However, if the pressure sore is not detected or left untreated, the wound is more than likely to result in serious injury with a high susceptibility to develop a deadly infection and/or gangrene within days to weeks. In some tragic cases, the end result of a serious unstageable bedsore is death.
Our Will County nursing home neglect attorneys have extensive experience in representing many nursing home resident victims who have suffered life-threatening pressure sores. Our knowledgeable Joliet elder abuse network of attorneys continuously reviews publicly available nursing home information detailing health concerns, opened investigations and filed complaints against nursing facilities statewide. We provide this information to be used as an essential tool before placing a loved one in the hands of professional skilled nursing care givers.
The information below is provided by our Illinois neglect and abuse attorneys who compiled their own primary concerns on these one-star rated nursing homes. This information was gathered from numerous websites including Medicare.gov.
14601 South John Humphrey Dr.
Orland Park, Il 60462
(708) 349-8300
A “For-Profit” 259-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 12/07/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “perform a skin assessment when a shower was refused.” This deficient practice directly affected one resident the facility where the “failure resulted in [the resident] developing pressure sore to the right heel and identified as black, necrotic and unstageable pressure ulcer measuring 1.0 centimeters by 1.5 centimeters.”
The facility’s wound physician and wound care nurse performed wound care for a resident on 12/01/2015 at 11 AM to the resident’s right heel pressure ulcer. “The wound is covered with black tissue and [the wound physician] remove the black tissue with a scalpel [stating the resident] had a wound to the right heel a few months ago, but it healed. The nursing admission assessment [dated] 07/09/2015 assesses the [resident] at risk to develop pressure ulcers based on the Braden Scale assessment for Pressure Ulcer Risk.”
In addition, the wound physician notes dated 08/04/2015 “documents an unstageable deep tissue injury to the [resident’s] right heel measuring 1.5 centimeters by 2.0 centimeters and recommendations for a sponge boot, float heels in bed and off-load pressure to the wound are given.”
However, “the last shower sheet [dated] 11/29/2015 documents [the resident] refused to shower any skin check was not completed. Last Braden Scale 10/29/2015 is not filled out and there are no other Braden Scales since admission.” In addition, the 12/01/2015 wound physician note documents that the resident “is spending less time up in a wheelchair as recommended, now has a wound to the right heel and [the resident] has had a wound to the site in the past.”
An interview with the resident conducted on 12/01/2015 at 11:40 AM revealed that the resident “stated there were no foam boots or heel protectors before 11/30/2015 [… and] stated her heels rest and rub on the bed and [she] cannot move the right leg or foot independently.” Five minutes later, the wound nurse stated “the heel elevator device was given to [the resident the day before] when the wound was discovered [and that the resident] did not have any other devices in place to elevate the heels and [she] could not move the right foot or leg on her own.” Later that day, the wound physician stated the resident “did not develop the necrotic black heel wound in 12-24 hours. The wound was there on 11/30/2015 but overlooked by the staff who got [the resident] dressed or showered.”
Our Orland Park elder abuse attorneys recognize that any failure to follow procedures and protocols regarding pressure ulcers could cause additional devastating injury to the resident. The deficient practice might be considered mistreatment or negligence because it did not follow established procedures, protocols and policies adopted by Lexington of Orland Park, including the policy titled Skin Management that reads in part:
“The Braden Scale is the designated risk assessment for [the facility]. The Braden Scale will be conducted on admission, when the resident is readmitted, quarterly or following a change of status. A head to toe observation of the resident’s skin will be conducted on admission, readmission, weekly and during care. Areas of concern will be reported to the nurse and the physician. The care plan is developed based on the individual risks and needs of the resident. Interventions are developed based on the assessment information and are interdisciplinary in content. Preventative measures include but are not limited to off-loading pressure points.”
9300 Ballard Road
Des Plaines, Il 60016
(847) 294-2300
A “For-Profit” 231-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/08/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to “apply pressure relief devices, keep the resident’s skin safe and dry as much as possible, rotate a resident for relief of pressure on bony prominence is, track and monitor a resident for pressure ulcer development, assess the reason why a resident developed a pressure ulcer and implement interventions to prevent further development, follow physician’s orders.” The deficient practices listed above directly affected three residents at the facility “reviewed for care and treatment.”
The deficient practices above resulted in two residents at the facility acquiring pressure ulcer development. In one incident, a resident “develop multiple deep tissue injuries and pressure sores to the feet.” Another resident “acquired five pressure sores while at the facility.”
The complaint investigation was initiated in part after a 09/03/2015 10:35 AM interview with a registered nurse where the state surveyor inquired about a resident’s feet. The nurse responded “it was my second day working there but my first day working with him. After (08/23/2015 observation) I Check with a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) regarding repositioning every two hours. It was pressure applied to the bed, they remove the footboard. Inquired if the CNA reported [the resident’s] skin integrity impairments, [the registered nurse] stated no one else but the family told me anything about that.” Additionally, “physician assessments were also conducted on 08/17/2015 and 08/12/2015, there is no mention of [the resident’s] left upper back wound (acquired on 08/12/2015).”
On 08/27/2015, the state surveyor questioned the facility’s Director of Nursing regarding the care and treatment [of the resident’s sores and] inquired about the left upper back wound. The nurse] responded ‘Looks like a healing wound’. Requested a description of the wound [and the nurse] described the [resident’s] wound as a Stage healing III which is now a Stage II. The surveyor asked, ‘why this wound was not listed on the tracking log?’ [The nurse] responded ‘Let me check with my wound care team’.” Later the treatment nurses assess the resident’s “left upper back wound. [One of the nurses] stated ‘it is like Stage II but that is what I say.’ The surveyor asked why ABD pads were on the [resident’s] shins. [The nurse] responded ‘For the foam we just put the ABD pad for a protector’. Surveyor responded ‘So, you do not follow physician’s orders?’ [The nurse] responded ‘that is correct’.”
Our Des Plaines nursing home abuse attorneys recognize and any failure to follow physician’s orders regarding the care and treatment of existing bedsores could place the health and well-being of the resident in immediate jeopardy. In addition, the deficient practice does not follow the established protocols, procedures and policies established by Ballard Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center, especially the facility’s 07/30/2015 policy titled: Risk and Skin Assessment and the facility’s 07/30/2014 policy document titled: Wound Cleansing and Dressing Policies and Procedures that reads in part “it is the policy of this facility to perform wound dressing changes as ordered by the physician.”
5400 West 87th Street
Burbank, Il 60459
(708) 423-1200
A “For-Profit” 163-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/31/2015, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility’s failure to “identify, assess, monitor and treat pressure sores as ordered by the physician” and the facility’s failure “to provide preventative measures for [five residents at the facility who were] reviewed for pressure sores.”
The deficient practices were first noted after resident record reviews in a 07/29/2015 10:10 AM interview with the facility’s wound care nurse who stated that the resident “had two Stage II pressure ulcers on the right sacrum which were acquired in the facility. [The wound care nurse] said [the resident’s] top on (wound) measured 1.0 centimeters in diameter and the second one was measured as 0.5 centimeters in diameter. [The wound nurse stated the resident] needs Duoderm treatment, which could help with the healing process of [the resident’s] wounds.” The nurse also stated that “a bordered gauze dressing is not acceptable treatment for [the resident’s medical condition].
Even though resident’s physician left orders for treatment the resident “was observed not receiving pressure sore treatment as ordered by his primary physician and required by his condition.” In addition, the 07/16/2015 progress notes indicate “open areas to sacrum were found. Wound care and Unit Manager notified. There was no evidence in [the resident’s] Progress Notes, Nursing Notes or TAR (Treatment Administration Record) of weekly skin and wound assessments being done consistently for [the resident].” Also, “there was no evidence that the wound physician had seen or addressed [the resident’s] pressure sore [… and] there is no evidence to show preventative measures were put in place (e.g. Pressure relieving mattress or low air loss mattress) for pressure sore prevention prior to [the resident’s skin] breakdown.
An interview conducted with the facility’s Director of Nursing confirmed that the Director “identify 27 residents having pressure sores [on the official 671 Resident Census and Condition form] when the survey team entered the facility on 07/28/2015.” However, by 07/30/2015 “the number increased to a total of 35 residents (who were identified as having pressure sores at more than stage I).” Neither the facility’s Administrator or the Director of Nursing “could explain why the facility system for monitoring, assisting in treating pressure sores had failed.” Both the Administrator and Director of Nursing “identified one treatment nurse take care of approximately 27 to 30 resident’s but could show no evidence this one nurse could manage so many medically complex residents.” Additionally, neither professionals could present “any evidence that show the facility provided the nursing staff with any training/in-service needed to function as a treatment nurse or part of the treatment team.”
Our Burbank nursing home neglect attorneys recognize that any failure to provide proper care to residents requiring specials services could place the health of the resident in jeopardy and might be considered negligence by the medical team, administrators, supervisors and managers. In addition, the deficient practices including not providing adequate staffing do not follow the established protocols, procedures and policies adopted by Brentwood Sub-Acute Health Care Center and violate state and federal nursing home regulations.
111 East Washington
Bensenville, Il 60106
(630) 766-5800
A “For-Profit” 222-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/08/2015, a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility’s failure to “conduct an assessment of pressure ulcers” and the facility’s failure “to follow physician’s orders.” These deficient practices directly affected two residents at the facility “review for pressure ulcers.”
The notation was made by the state surveyor upon review of records and interviews conducted in the facility involving a resident under hospice care who had expired while at Bridgeway Senior Living Center. An observation conducted on the day in question at 12 PM noted that the resident “was in bed on a low air loss mattress [with] a fitted sheet; there were additional linens under [the resident’s] buttocks and upper and lower back that were folded twice, creating four layers of sheets.” The Wound Coordinator/Nurse Supervisor stated that the resident’s “dressings were already changed [and that the resident is] repositioned every two hours as scheduled. As staff reposition [the resident] on her left side, [the resident] was noted with addressing on the sacral area and middle back area. The dressing on the [resident’s] middle back was heavily saturated with yellow purulent discharges that has a foul odor. The yellow purulent discharge leaked all over the bed linen, down the fitted sheet and into the mattress pad by [the resident’s] upper back area, approximately 12 inches in circumference.”
Further observation by the state surveyor noted that “the leakage already created a brown ring on the edge and almost drying up.” While the nurse supervisor stated that the resident’s “pressure sore on the middle back is known to leak heavily” the supervisor also “confirmed with the surveyor that the brown ring discoloration on the outer edge of the leakage indicates that [the resident has] been lying on that discharge for a long while.”
The state surveyor conducted an interview with the facility’s Director of Nursing at 5:30 PM the same day who stated “they do not have weekly one assessments for [that resident] because she is under hospice and not being seen by a wound doctor who is the person that does the assessments [… adding] the floor nurses do wound documentation in the Progress Notes.”
The last physician wound assessments of the resident available for review indicate “no change in wound progress. The note by the former wound doctor continues to document, Unable to recommend dressing because [the physician] does not want the wound treated [… and] does not allow nurses to follow wound treatment recommendations and in fact, brings her own medications from home to the facility and applies them to the wounds.”
Our Bensenville elder abuse attorneys recognize that any failure to follow procedures and protocols concerning bedsores for residents who are under hospice care might be considered negligence and mistreatment. The failure to follow established policies adopted by the nursing facility directly violates federal and state nursing home regulations.
While it may be challenging to serve as your loved one’s advocate, taking the appropriate action to stop elder neglect and abuse is generally the surest way to stop the mistreatment and prevent it from ever happening to another nursing home victim. If your loved one is in immediate danger to their health and well-being, it is important that they be removed from the facility as quickly as possible. This will ensure that your loved one remains in a safer environment and has a better opportunity to seek the highest quality care to manage their existing bedsore and prevent additional ones from developing.
If you or your loved one are unsure what legal rights you have, rest assured a skilled attorney specializing in nursing home neglect cases can help. If your loved one has developed a bedsore by the irresponsible care provided by the facility in the nursing home staff, then as a victim, they have the right to seek financial compensation to cover their injuries, damages and harm. If the unfortunate end result of the facility-acquired bedsore is death, you and other family members are likely able to recover recompense for your loss by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Joliet nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center LLC understand that when nursing home residents do not have the capacity to care for themselves, it is imperative that medical caregivers provide care for them at an acceptable level. Our Illinois team of knowledgeable attorneys represents victims with cases involving pressure sore negligence occurring in nursing homes throughout Chicago metropolitan area. Our Will County nursing home lawyers can protect the rights of the victim by investigating their claim and building a case for recompense.
Schedule your free, no obligation full case review today by calling our Joliet elder abuse law offices at (800) 926-7565. We handle all abuse and neglect, wrongful death and personal injury cases through contingency fee agreements. This means all of our legal fees are paid only out of a successful jury trial award or after we negotiate your acceptable out of court settlement. Our office has extensive experience prosecuting pressure sore cases on behalf of individuals and families. We invite you to learn more about our recent settlements here or review our Illinois bed sore case value calculator here.
Should you have questions about Illinois law related to pressure sores, view our page here.
For information on bed sores and nursing home negligence in other Illinois cities, please review the pages below:
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Licensed in Illinois
Chicago Attorney Nursing Home Law Center LLC Home