Pine Bluff Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorneys

Pine Bluff Nursing Home NeglectFamily having to place a loved one in a nursing facility have every right to expect they will be provided the highest level of care. Unfortunately, many facilities are managed by large corporations that choose to place profits over residents and fail to adequately manage staff and their nursing homes. In fact, the Pine Bluff nursing home neglect attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center LLC as seen a significant rise in the number of civil cases involving neglect, abuse and mistreatment occurring in nursing homes throughout Arkansas.

Statistically, Pine Bluff and the surrounding communities have a higher percentage of senior citizens of their total population. More than 11,000 elderly residents live within Jefferson County. However, the limited number of nursing facilities has increased the demand for open beds and has place a substantial hardship on many nursing homes who do not have the adequate staff to ensure that all the resident's needs are met around-the-clock. As a result, there has been a significant rise in cases involving mistreatment, usually at the hands of overworked or improperly trained nursing staff members.

Pine Bluff Nursing Home Resident Health Concerns

The federal and state governments are constantly revising the regulations in an effort to ensure that governing nursing facilities nationwide address serious problems and health concerns. Unfortunately, the mismanagement and lack of training at many of these facilities still create an environment conducive to neglect and abuse.

Because of that, our Jefferson County elder abuse attorneys continuously assess publicly available data gathered through national databases concerning nursing facilities that have opened investigations, filed complaints and health concerns in Pine Bluff and the surrounding communities. We post this information in an effort to assist family members who are seeking information to make the best informed decision before placing their loved one in the hands of caregivers.

Comparing Pine Bluff Area Nursing Facilities

Our Pine Bluff nursing home abuse attorneys have gathered the information below detailing nursing homes throughout Jefferson County and surrounding communities that currently maintain below average rating. This information is publicly available and posted on numerous databases including Medicare.gov. In addition, our Arkansas nursing home law firm has listed our primary concerns and provided evidence of the mismanagement, lack of training and lack of following procedures and protocols at these facilities that resulted in injury or potential harm to its residents.

Information on Arkansas Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence Lawsuits

Our attorneys have compiled data from settlements and jury verdicts across Arkansas to give you an idea as to how cases are valued. Learn more about the cases below:

  • Arkansas Nursing Home Bed Sore Case Valuations
  • Arkansas Nursing Home Abuse Cases
  • Arkansas Nursing Home Fall Case Valuations

ARKANSAS CONVALESCENT CENTER
6301 South Hazel
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
(870) 534-8153

A "For-Profit" 103-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 1 out of 5 possible stars

1 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Adequate Services and Care to Heal a Non-Pressure-Related Skin Condition

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 11/16/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to "ensure necessary care and services were provided to address non-pressure related skin conditions, as evidenced by [the facility's] failure to regularly conduct and document assessments of a skin rash and failure to provide treatments to the rash at the physician ordered frequency to promote healing." While these failures directly affected a resident "who had topical treatments ordered" the deficient practices "have the potential to affect eight residents who had orders for topical treatments."

The complaint investigation was initiated at the state investigator reviewed a resident's Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference Date (ADR) of 10/17/2015 that revealed the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 3, in which a score between 0-7 "indicates severely impaired." In addition, the report revealed that the resident "was totally dependent for bed mobility, transfers and personal hygiene and had no open [wound] other than ulcers, rashes or cuts."

The state surveyor reviewed the resident's 10/12/2015 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Notes that indicates a chief complaint "Rash. Staff Nurse reports that patient has a red rash on the right side of her shoulder […and] states that the rash appeared yesterday. Reports that the patient sweats a lot in that area, which may be the cause of the rash. Denies using any therapy to the area. No acute changes to the rash reported to the Staff Nurse."

The state surveyor reviewed the 11/12/2015 Physician Telephone Order that reveals treatment including "clean right neck rash with 0.9% Normal Saline, apply [medication] ointment 2% [3 times a day for 10 days."

However, review of the October 2015 TAR (Treatment Administration Record) documents nurse's initials indicating that the "treatment was provided to the resident once daily on the 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM shift, instead of three times daily as ordered by the physician."

There was documentation in the resident's records including a hospital discharge summary dated 10/26/2015. However, by 11/13/2015 "there was no documentation in the clinical record indicate the rash was routinely assessed to determine if it was spreading or improving."

The state survey conducted an 11:52 AM 11/13/2015 interview with the facility's Treatment Nurse who was shown the Physician Telephone Order from the October 2015 TAR (Treatment Administration Record). The Treatment Nurse reviewed the documentation and responded, "Did I do that?" When the state surveyor asked the Treatment Nurse if the resident's medication "had been administered as ordered by the physician. The Treatment Nurse stated, 'No'. When asked if any assessment had been documented related to the rash, the Treatment Nurse responded, "No."

Our Pine Bluff nursing home neglect attorneys recognize the failing to provide a minimum standard of care to residents suffering non-pressure related skin conditions could potentially cause the resident additional harm or injury. The deficient practice by the nursing staff at Arkansas Convalescent Center failed to follow their established procedures and protocols adopted by the facility.

DAVIS LIFE CARE CENTER
6810 South Hazel
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
(870) 541-0342

A "Not for Profit" 177-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Residents Proper Treatment to Ensure Existing Bedsores Heal and New Bedsores Do Not Develop

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/24/2015, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility's failure to "ensure heels were positioned off the bed to prevent the development of pressure ulcers." While this deficient practice of the nursing staff that Davis Life Care Center directly affected one resident, the failed practice "had the potential to affect 47 residents who were care plan for positioning heels of the bed according to the list provided by the facility's Director of Nursing on 07/30/2015."

The deficient practice was noted after the state surveyor conducted a full and thorough review of a resident's Quarterly Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference Date (ADR) on 07/23/2015 that revealed through the Staff Assessment for Mental Status that the resident "was severely impaired in cognitive skills for daily decisions." In addition, the documentation revealed that the resident "was totally dependent for bed mobility, personal hygiene, bathing and toileting, was at risk for developing pressure ulcers; and had no pressure ulcers."

The state surveyor reviewed the resident's Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk after an assessment on 02/20/2015 and 06/19/2015 revealed that the resident scored a 15 (or a score between 15 and 18 "indicates mild risk." The resident's physician's orders indicated that the heels must be elevated every two hours, every shift and turn and reposition every two hours "as tolerated to prevent wounds."

The resident's 06/09/2015 Plan of Care indicated there was a "potential for alteration and skin integrity related to decreased physical mobility. Using positioning devices as needed… monitor skin daily with care for redness and other discoloration rashes, blisters, breaks and skin, etc. and report to charge nurse. Weekly skin checks as needed (PRN)…"

By 06/11/2015, notation is made in the Wound Care Physician's Progress Note's "follow-up patient being seen for bilateral heel wounds. Right heel is a necrotic tissue (unstageable) pressure ulcer and has received the status of Not Healed.… Left heel is a necrotic tissue (unstageable) pressure ulcer and has received a status of Not Healed."

"The wound care Physician's Progress Note's dated weekly between 06/18/2015 and 07/16/2015 document that the resident's "pressure ulcer of heel unstageable or unchanged an additional order of Pressure Relief/Offloading."

The state surveyor made an observation of the resident 8:45 AM on 07/21/2015 noting that the resident "was in bed positioned in a semi-upright position on her back with two lower legs positioned on a pillow wedge and reveals resting on the mattress." Again at 4 PM on the same day "the resident was in bed positioned in a semi-upright position on her back with her heels resting on the foot of her bed mattress." Ten minutes later, the facility's Treatment Nurse "provided care to the resident's heels. Both of the resident's heels had black eschar tissue. The treatment nurse stated 'The wounds are unstageable.' The treatment nurse measured the right heel to be 5.0 centimeters in length and three point centimeters in width and the left heel measured 4.0 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters in width."

At two other times on 07/21/2015 and 07/22/2015 the resident was observed by the state surveyor to be positioned on her back with her heels positioned either on the bed mattress, or on the foot of the mattress.

The state surveyor conducted a 07/22/2015 interview with the facility's Director of Nursing who was asked if the resident should have "her heels offloaded". The Director of Nursing replied, "yes she should." The Director Of Nursing indicated that the resident had not acquired the pressure ulcers at the hospital but acquired them while at Davis Life Care Center."

This failing to provide proper treatment that ensures bedsores do not develop while at the facility might cause residents additional harm or severe injury, especially if the developing bedsores is allowed to degrade to life-threatening condition. The deficient practice of the nursing staff at the facility failed to follow their own guidelines for treating and caring for pressure ulcers that reads in part:

"To ensure all residents are assessed for risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development and those residents at individualized plans of care put in place to prevent occurrence of the ulcer."

WHITE HALL HEALTH AND REHAB
9209 Dollarway Road
White Hall, Arkansas 71602
(870) 247-0800

A "For-Profit" 120-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Residents an Environment Free of Accident Hazards and Provide Adequate Supervision to Prevent an Avoidable Accident

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/29/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "ensure changes in transfer methods were properly communicated to direct care staff in order to prevent potential falls and injuries for [a resident at the facility who is] at risk for falls." While this failure directly affected one resident at the facility and have the potential "to affect 13 residents who were care planned for mechanical lift transfers."

The state investigator conducted a review of a resident's Quarterly Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference Date (ADR) of 05/19/2015 that revealed the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 9 (where score between 8 and 12 indicates moderate impairment. In addition, the document revealed that the resident "required extensive assistance of two persons for bed mobility and transfers, was at risk for falls and had two or more falls since admission."

The complaint investigation was initiated after an incident revealed in the 05/25/2015 9:40 AM Nurse's Notes documenting that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) "was getting the resident up, the CNA had to lower resident to the floor due to the resident was holding on and her legs gave out." That afternoon at 307, the Nurse's Notes revealed that the resident's "son reports concern for 'bump' on her [resident's] leg and she is doing very well. Note a large hematoma to less skin was swollen and bruised left ankle. Unable to stand to transfer to emergency room for evaluation."

Later that day at 10:08 PM, the Nurse's Notes revealed that the "resident back to the facility at approximately 7:20 PM. No new orders from hospital. No fracture or dislocation of left foot. Resident is still a two assist with transfers."

The following morning at 10:30 AM, the List/mobility That Assessment documentation indicates that the resident is totally dependent on two-person assists mechanical lift requiring two staff members. The following day at 9:40 AM on 05/27/2015, two Certified Nursing Assistant's "transfer the resident from the shower chair to her wheelchair with a gait belt. While holding the gate belts, [both Certified Nursing Assistants] lift the resident to her feet [who] was unable to support her weight. [1 CNA] pulled the wheelchair up to the resident and the resident was maneuvered and positioned into the wheelchair by the CNAs."

While the surveyor was speaking to the resident's family member in the room at 1:53 PM on 05/27/2015, two Certified Nursing Assistants and a Licensed Practical Nurse enter the room. Both Certified Nursing Assistants transfer the resident from her wheelchair to the recliner using [only] a gait belt, while the [Licensed Practical Nurse] stood behind the wheelchair. The resident was unable to support her weight and had to be lifted into the recliner" even though physician's orders direct the nursing staff to use only a mechanical lift to minimize the potential of causing additional injury.

Our White Hall nursing home neglect lawyers recognize the nursing staff failing to provide residents an environment free of accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent an avoidable accident could cause additional harm or injury to the resident. The deficient practice fails to follow established procedures and protocols adopted by White Hall Health and Rehabilitation Center and the violations of state and federal nursing home regulations might be considered mistreatment or neglect.

THE GREEN HOUSE COTTAGES OF SOUTHERN HILLS
701 South Main Street
Rison, Arkansas 71665
(870) 325-6202

A "Not for Profit" 75-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Ensure That Resident's Nutritional Needs Are Met and Followed per the Resident's Care Plan

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/02/2015, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility's failure to "ensure puréed and mechanical soft meals are prepared and served according to the planned, written menu to meet the nutritional needs of [2 residents at the facility]."

While the failing practice affected two residents of the facility directly, it indirectly affected two other residents "who receive puréed diets."

On 10/29/2015 for the resident's supper meal that documented "all residents were to receive tuna croquettes to each, half cup of macaroni and cheese and half a cup of green beans. The menu documented residents on puréed diets were to receive a #8 scoop (1/2 cup) of puréed tuna croquettes." However, an observation at 4:45 PM by the state surveyor noted that not all residents were receiving a full portion and that approximately "1/4 cup of crumpled tuna croquettes [was] left in the bowl that was not use."

The state surveyor conducted an interview at 9:52 AM on 10/01/2015 asking the CNA "why all the crumpled tuna croquettes prepared for the puréed and mechanical soft diets was not use." The Certified Nursing Assistant responded, "I did not use all the tuna because I thought it was too much."

The previous day at 11:38 AM, on 09/30/2015, the CNA providing meals to the residents requiring puréed diets serve the residents only 2/5 of a cup of ground beef tips "instead of six ounces per person as per the menu." When asked at 2:50 PM on 09/30/2015 "how many servings of puréed beef tips were served to the residents on puréed and mechanical soft diets." The CNA responded, "I gave the puréed a mechanical soft diets a single portion of meat, using the scoop that they have in it (#10 scoop equals 2/5 cup)."

Our Rison nursing home neglect attorneys recognize the failing to provide adequate nutrition as per the facilities menu could cause malnutrition and lead to potential serious conditions to the resident's health and well-being. The deficient practice by the staff at The Green House Cottages of Southern Hills might be recognized as neglect or mistreatment.

CAVALIER HEALTHCARE OF ENGLAND
400 Stuttgart Highway
England, Arkansas 72046
(501) 842-2771

A "For-Profit" 70-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 1 out of 5 possible stars

1 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Report and Investigate Any Act Report of Abuse or Mistreatment to Residents

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/11/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "ensure an allegation of staff to resident verbal abuse was promptly and thoroughly investigated to decrease the potential for further abuse [of the resident] who lived on 100-Hall where [the alleged perpetrator] Licensed Practical Nurse work."

The fellow practice of the nursing staff and administration at Cavalier Healthcare of England "had the potential to affect 26 residents who lived in the 100 Hall where the [alleged perpetrator/Licensed Practical Nurse] work."

The state surveyor conducted a full review of the resident's Admission Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference Date (ADR) of 02/09/2015 that revealed the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 12, where a score between 8-12 indicates moderate cognitive impairment. In addition, the resident's 02/11/2015 care plan documents that the resident has impairment through processes. "Approach resident warmly and positively in a calm manner. Always address resident by name. Allow [resident] time to express her feelings."

The complaint investigation included an interview at 4 PM on 05/07/2015 with the facility's Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) who was asked about the incident occurring between the resident and the Licensed Practical Nurse. The Assistant Director of Nursing indicated that the resident had asked to have a discussion on 04/30/2015. During that process, she thought [the alleged perpetrator) was a little hateful about her medication that morning. She felt like [that Licensed Practical Nurse] didn't want to give her two Tylenols."

After the Assistant Director of Nursing discussed the incident with the facility's Director of Nursing (DON), the DON talk with the facility's Social Worker who then discuss the incident with the resident. The Director of Nursing indicated that the Licensed Practical Nurse "needed to go and apologize to [the resident] which the [alleged perpetrator did]." The resident accepted the apology "and nothing else had been said about the incident."

However, the state investigator wanted to understand why a grievance or incident/accident report had not been generated. The Assistant Director of Nursing responded "my understanding was; I didn't feel like it was an abuse allegation or any harm. I didn't fill out any grievance. I don't think [the Director of Nursing] did either."

The state investigator asked the facility Administrator at 4:20 PM on 05/07/2015 [the alleged perpetrator/Licensed Practical Nurse] and [the resident] prior to Monday, 05/04/2015 when you are informed by the surveyor?" The Administrator responded "he was not aware of the allegation prior [to that time]."

Our England nursing home abuse attorneys recognize that any failure of the administration and nursing staff to report and thoroughly investigate any allegation of abuse violate state and federal nursing home regulations. The deficient practice by the administration and nursing staff might be considered additional abuse of the resident or seen as mistreatment.

STONERIDGE NURSING and REHABILITATION CENTER
4017 Franklin
College Station, Arkansas 72053
(501) 490-1533

A "For-Profit" 98-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Minimal Treatment to Ensure No New Bedsores Develop or Existing Bedsores Do Not Heal

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/25/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "ensure pressure ulcer treatments for provided per physician's orders [for two residents at the facility] who had wounds." While the deficient practice directly affected two residents at the facility, the failure by the nursing staff "had the potential to affect five residents who had wounds."

The state investigator fully reviewed a resident's Significant Change Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference date of 09/14/2015 that reveals through the resident's Staff Assessment of Mental Status indicate the resident "was significantly impaired with cognitive skills for daily decision-making." In addition, the document revealed that the resident "had two Stage II pressure ulcers."

The complaint investigation was initiated because the resident's admission orders clearly specified exactly how the pressure ulcers should be treated through the physician's telephone order dated 09/21/2015. In addition, the facility's September 2015 TAR (Treatment Administration Record) provides extensive documentation on how the resident's wounds are to be treated.

However, observation by the state surveyor indicated that the facility's nursing staff did not follow physician's orders. When the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) providing care to the resident at 3:09 PM on 09/24/2015 was interviewed and asked "if she should have followed the physician's orders" the LPN responded, "she was reading yours, she did not pay close enough attention and she saw the orders to cover both of the wounds on the buttocks with silver alginate, but did not see the order to cut the silver alginate to fit the wounds."

Our College Station nursing home neglect attorneys recognize that failing to provide adequate treatment to a resident suffering two Stage II pressure sores according to physician's orders has the potential of causing the resident additional harm or life-threatening injury. The deficient practice by the nursing staff at Stoneridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center might be considered negligence or mistreatment.

LONOKE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER
1501 Lincoln Street
Lonoke, Arkansas 72086
(501) 676-2600

A "For-Profit" 80-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Residents an Environment Free of Accident Hazards and Provide Adequate Supervision to Prevent an Avoidable Accident

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 12/21/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "ensure transfer was conducted in accordance to the Plan of Care, including the utilization of a gait belt, to prevent potential accident or injury [for a resident at the facility] who required assistance with transfers." In addition, the facility "also failed to ensure the need for extensive two-staff assistance and a mechanical lift for transfers was communicated to staff and added to the [resident's] Plan of Care to prevent potential injury."

While the failed practice directly affected one resident at the facility, it had the "potential to directly affect 56 residents who required assistance with transfers".

The state surveyor conducted a full review of a resident's Quarterly Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference date of 11/11/2015 that revealed through the resident's Staff Assessment for Mental Status (SAMS) "was severely impaired cognitive skills." In addition, the documentation indicated that the resident "required extensive assistance of 2+ persons for bed mobility and transfers." The resident's 08/20/2015 Care Plan also indicates "transfers assist times two […and] gait belt with all transfers."

The complaint investigation was initiated after an observation at 5:34 AM on 12/21/2015 when the "resident was in a wheelchair in her room. [Two Certified Nursing Assistants] were in the resident's room, the resident was yelling and pointing at her bottom. Then pointing at [one of the Certified Nursing Assistants who was asked] why the resident was upset and stated it was because the resident almost fell and she had a catch her with her knee. [The CNA] was asked where her knee was placed on the resident [and she replied] 'In her crack.' The resident continued to yell and pointed at the CNA [while both Certified Nursing Assistants] transfer the resident back to bed."

The second CNA was asked if they were supposed to use a gait belt when transferring the resident and she replied, "Yes, ma'am. I was looking for a gait belt, but I couldn't find it. We usually keep one in the room."

Our Lonoke nursing home neglect attorneys recognize that any failure to provide residents an environment free of accident hazards or prevent an avoidable accident could potentially cause the resident harm or injury. The deficient practice of the CNA at Lonoke Health and Rehabilitation Center might be considered mistreatment or negligence.

DEWITT NURSING HOME
1605 South Madison St
De Witt, Arkansas 72042
(870) 946-3571

A "Not for Profit" 60-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Follow Physician's Orders When Providing Care to Residents Suffering Pressure Ulcers to Ensure the Ulcer Does Not Degrade to a Life-Threatening Condition

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/28/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "ensure residents with exit seeking behaviors who are at risk for elopement were adequately supervised when exit alarms sounded to prevent potential injury [for a resident at the facility] who had eloped from the facility since 08/01/2015." The deficient practice by the nursing staff at DeWitt Nursing Home "resulted in Immediate Jeopardy which caused or could have caused serious harm, injury or death to [the resident] who exited the facility and was found outside by a staff member returning from a supper break."

While this failure by the nursing staff directly affected the one resident, it may "have the potential to cause more than minimal harm for 10 residents who are at risk for elopement."

The complaint investigation was made after an 08/20/2015 incident where the resident was noted as "constantly seeking exit. Out of the facility and brought back by kitchen staff member. Taken to primary nurse and dining room. No injuries were noted."

The CNA in charge of providing care on that day was interviewed on 08/23/2015 and was asked if they had worked that day and heard the alarm go off "when [the resident] exited the front door and you were at the staffing hall?" The Certified Nursing Assistant replied, "No. I was in the front lobby but I didn't hear no alarm. Someone came and got me and said [the resident] was outside." The CNA did not know who it was but stated that "the girl in the kitchen [a dietary aide] was outside in her car and she brought [the eloping resident] back in." The state investigator asked the CNA if anyone had talked to her about the resident "exiting on 08/20/2015." The Certified Nursing Assistant replied, "No."

The state investigator conducted an 08/23/2015 interview with the facility's Administrator and Director of Nursing who were asked if an incident and accident report had been generated over the incident. The Administrator replied "No, the nurse did not do an I & A [as the resident] did not get off the grounds so we did not do a reportable and she [nurse] didn't chart it." The state surveyor then asked the Administrator and Director of Nursing if any disciplinary counseling had been done with the Certified Nursing Assistant in charge of the front door "who did not respond to the exit door alarm. Both the Director Nursing and Administrator responded, "No."

Our De Witt nursing home neglect attorneys recognize the failing to provide adequate supervision to residents known to have eloping or wandering behavior places the resident's life and well-being in jeopardy. The deficient practice of the Administrator, nursing staff and allowing an environment where a resident can elope from the facility directly violates state and federal nursing home regulations. The failure might be considered negligence or mistreatment.

WILLOW POINTE HEALTH AND REHAB CENTER
1010 Barnes Street
Lonoke, Arkansas 72086
(501) 676-3103

A "For-Profit" 141-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 2 out of 5 possible stars

2 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Follow Physician's Orders When Providing Care to Residents Suffering Pressure Ulcers to Ensure the Ulcer Does Not Degrade to a Life-Threatening Condition

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 11/24/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to "ensure the Plan of Care for pressure relief was consistently implemented to decrease the potential for pressure ulcer development [for two residents at the facility] who had pressure ulcers or were at risk for the development of pressure ulcers." While this deficient practice directly affected two residents, it "had the potential to affect five residents who had pressure ulcers and 37 residents who were at risk for pressure ulcers."

The state investigator conducted a full review of a resident's Quarterly Minimum Data Set with Assessment Reference date of 08/16/2015 that revealed the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was recorded as 3, where a score between 0-7 "indicates severe cognitive impairment." Additionally, the document revealed that the resident "required extensive physical assist of two-plus people for bed mobility and transfers, did not walk in the room or corridor, required extensive physical assistance of one person for locomotion on the unit, had limitation in range of motion of both lower extremities, used a wheelchair for mobility and had one unstageable pressure ulcer."

Investigator reviewed the resident's clinical physician order that indicated a foot cradle was to be used in bed and to offload the right hip and offload heels in an effort to remove pressure at specific areas on the body. Initiated after an observation at 4:25 PM on 11/09/2015 while the resident was in bed "his heels were not offloaded." Again at 9:01 AM on 11/10/2015 "the resident was in bed. The resident's heels and right hips were not offloaded and there is no foot cradle in use.

The state surveyor conducted a 9:05 AM 11/11/2015 interview with the Certified Nursing Assistant in charge of providing the resident care who was asked "if the resident had had a foot cradle?" The Certified Nursing Assistant responded, "What's that?" The surveyor explained how the foot cradle was used. The CNA then replied, "oh, he hasn't had one of those since he was moved over here, but a month ago."

The state surveyor conducted at 10:52 AM 11/11/2015 interview with the facility's Licensed Practical Nurse that provided the resident care and was asked "how do you find out if a resident has a treatment, medication or new assessment?" The nurse indicated that "it is not in the [MAR (Medication Administration Record)] I wouldn't know." The state surveyor asked if the LPN was aware that the physician's orders indicate that the resident is to have a foot cradle. "While looking up the resident's profile on her computer she stated, 'I can I don't know about it'. Then she stated, 'Oh here it is. Yes, I see it'."

Our Lonoke nursing home neglect attorneys recognize the failing to provide adequate care and services to residents suffering with bedsores has the potential of causing additional harm or injury. The deficient practices by the nursing staff at Willow Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center might be considered negligence or mistreatment because it does not follow the established protocols and procedures adopted by the facility.

STAGECOACH NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
6907 Highway 5 North
Bryant, Arkansas 72022
(501) 213-0547

A "For-Profit" 116-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility

Overall Rating - 1 out of 5 possible stars

1 star rating

Primary Concerns -

Failure to Provide Necessary Services and Care to Ensure That the Resident Maintains Their Highest Level of Well-Being

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 12/30/2015, a complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to "ensure necessary care and services were provided to promptly and appropriately address an acute change in condition and prevent delays in treatment as is evidenced by the failure to immediately consult the [resident's] physician." In addition, the complaint investigation notes an additional failure of the facility "to conduct a thorough assessment, including vital signs, after a resident complained of new onset abdominal pain and experience nausea and vomiting." This deficient practice affected one resident "who had a change in condition in the last 30 days." In addition, the failure of the facility "had the potential to affect three residents who had change in condition in the past 30 days."

The complaint investigation was initiated after the state investigator reviewed a resident's "Quarterly MDS (Minimum Data Set) with and Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 12/04/2015." The report documents that the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) resulted in a score of 6, where a score between 0 - 7 indicates severe impairment. The document also notes a "schedule pain medicine regiment in the last five days, had occasional pain with intensity of 7 [on a scale of 0 to 10] and no vomiting in the last seven days and was occasionally incontinent of bladder."

Even though the 12/10/2015 4:45 AM Nurse's Notes document that the resident was complaining of stomach pain and vomiting clear liquid and requested pain pills, "there was no documentation to indicate the physician was consulted regarding the new onset of abdominal pain and vomiting at this time, and no assessment or vital signs were documented."

Later that morning, the Nurse's Notes indicate that the resident continued with nausea but without vomiting and refused to take her morning medications to treat nausea. However, "this nurse placed a message for the Medical Director for further instructions […and] will continue to monitor. Family is aware of this."

The Licensed Practical Nurse providing care to the resident on 12/10/2015 stated "you remember being called into the room by one of the resident's daughters because the resident was having stomach pain." The Licensed Practical Nurse called the doctor "and told them about the stomach pain and he said to send her to the emergency room." However, the medical transportation provider "couldn't get there quick enough so the family left with her."

Although the Licensed Practical Nurse said that she wrote down the resident's vital signs she monitored during her shift, there was no documentation in the 5:00 PM 12/29/2015 Nurse's Notes "or anywhere else in clinical records to indicate vital signs were obtained on the resident at the resident experienced a change in condition."

Our Bryant nursing home neglect attorneys recognize that the deficient practice and informing the resident's doctor of a change of condition and not accurately documenting the change might be seen as mistreatment or neglect. The failure by the nursing staff at Stagecoach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center fails to follow their own policy titled Condition Change of the Resident that reads in part:

"To observe, record and report any change in condition to the attending physician so proper treatment will be implemented. Equipment: blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, thermometer. Take vital signs include temperature."

How Legal Representation can Help

Many families with loved ones victimized by nursing home mistreatment never consider hiring an attorney to handle the case. However, the majority of cases involving financial compensation obtained by the unacceptable behavior of nursing staff and nursing home administrators is handled by law firms who specialize in these types of cases. Usually, the attorney will front the costs of all aspects of the case and only be paid if they negotiate an acceptable amount through a financial out-of-court settlement or win the case at trial.

The initial steps taken by a law firm working on behalf of the victim will include performing a background check on the nursing home facility and any nursing staff involved in the accident, incident or event. Usually, performing legal investigations will uncover previously hidden evidence of unknown violations or other accidents occurring at the facility.

Next, the elder abuse network of attorneys will review medical records, documents and statements and obtain certified copies to be used as evidence in a court of law. The information usually verifies the abuse/injury and provides notes, statements and interviews of the staff or doctors working at the nursing home.

Hiring a Lawyer

If you have any suspicions that your loved one is being Abused, Neglected or Mistreated while living in their nursing facility, having legal representation can help. The Pine Bluff nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center LLC can investigate your claim for compensation by gathering detailed facts, speaking to eyewitnesses, reviewing medical records, and taking every step necessary to build a solid case for financial recompense.

Our Arkansas team of reputable lawyers has handled many of these types of cases involving unacceptable behavior, mismanagement, safety hazards and other issues in nursing homes throughout Jefferson County. We urge you to contact our Pine Bluff elder abuse law office today at (800) 926-7565 to schedule a full, free no obligation case evaluation.

For additional information on Arkansas laws and information on nursing homes look here.

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Resources

Client Reviews

★★★★★
Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa
★★★★★
After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric