Jacksonville nursing home on federal watch list

Summer Brook Health Care center is a 120 bed facility, privately owned and is now on Medicare's Watch List.
Brian Lee is with Families for Better Care, an advocate for the nursing home industry.
"This is only one of three nursing homes in the state of florida,682 nursing homes, that is on this federal watch list," said Lee.
Lee said his agency's role is to push for improvements in the nursing homes industry.
"Families should be vigilant in their advocacy on behalf of their loved ones," said Lee," to ensure that they're getting safe and appropriate care."
In its August update, Florida's Agency for Health Care Adminstration using a five star rating system, gave the facility the following marks:
-Overall inspection one star
-Quality of care one star
Jacksonville nursing home on federal watch list | firstcoastnews.com

Second Envoy administrator charged

Police in Staunton said Monday that a nursing home administrator at Envoy has been charged in connection with the nursing home’s failure to divulge a sex abuse allegation at its Houston Street facility.
Robert T. Lawrence, 47, of Gloucester County, is charged with failure to report a civil charge.
Last week, police charged Diane R. Kline, 41, an Envoy nursing administrator, with an identical charge.
A phone call placed Monday to Envoy to determine the pair’s employment status was not returned.
In early August, a Staunton police investigation initially centered around a suspended employee at the nursing home who was accused of molesting incapacitated residents.
Following the arrest of Anthony M. Johnson, 47, a nurse’s aide, investigators quickly turned their focus on Envoy’s administration after it was accused of trying to coverup one of the molestation allegations, according to court records.
Police said that although Envoy reported two allegations against Johnson, one of them unfounded, a third allegation concerning a female resident was not passed along to authorities.
The woman, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in the 1990s and is also paralyzed on her left side, said Johnson tried to force her to perform oral sex on him.
Second Envoy administrator charged | The News Leader | newsleader.com

Family: Video is proof of nursing home abuse

Mynez Carter has Alzheimer's disease and requires continuous care. But 83-year-old woman's family recently became suspicious of the way she was being treated at the Heritage Oaks Nursing Home in Arlington.

They said Carter had unexplained bruises, was acting fearful and dodged away from anyone trying to embrace her. They believe the hidden camera they installed in her room explains why.

"My heart started racing and I was horrified. And I was more mad than anything just to know this was going on with my mother," said Freddie Johnson, her daughter.

She said the video showed rough treatment. In one instance a worker putting a pillow under Carter's head can be seen pulling her hair and pushing her head. In another instance a worker pinches her leg.

Carter's children said they met with Jerry Warren, the administrator of the nursing home, and showed him the video. In summary, they said he disagreed about certain actions seen on the video.

"He's trying to justify that but there's no justification for that. It's a certain way you treat these residents. It wasn't good," said Ruth Carter, her daughter.

Read more: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/19400109/family-video-is-proof-of-nursing-home-abuse#ixzz26dJqObZzFamily: Video is proof of nursing home abuse - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Inspections in California Find Nursing Homes Guilty of Resident Neglect

The California Department of Justice conducted a series of surprise inspections of nursing homes across the state. The investigations spanned over a two year period, beginning in January of 2010 and ending in March of 2012. Inspectors reported findings of "unacceptable nursing care" ranging from accusations of home staff providing residents with the wrong medication to other instances of staff completely neglecting the nursing home residents.

Neglect of nursing home residents not only causes heartache for those who expect the nursing home staff to provide care for their loved ones, it can also lead to injuries for the residents. These injuries include pressure ulcers, infections and broken bones -- injuries that can lead to serious complications in the elderly.

The results of these surprise inspections are currently under review by California's Department of Public Health. The agency will determine if further action is required, which could include sanctions against offending nursing homes or potential closure.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Although the results of these inspection reports are concerning, it is important to remember that many nursing home facilities offer quality care to their residents. However, being aware of the warning signs associated with abuse or neglect in a nursing home can help to protect loved ones from serious harm.

It is important to watch for changes in a loved one's behavior, such as:
-Sudden inability to sleep or change in sleeping patterns
-Development of depression or confusion
-Unexplainable weight loss
-Withdrawal


In addition to behavioral changes, physical signs of abuse or neglect may also be present. Common physical signs like unexplainable bruises, burns, scars or lacerations on the body or the development of bed sores or other preventable conditions should be noted and discussed with the resident.
MELODIKA.net - Inspections in California Find Nursing Homes Guilty of Resident Neglect

Group pushes for surveillance cameras in nursing homes

A senior advocacy group is pushing for state legislation requiring mandatory surveillance cameras in common areas of nursing homes.
Department of Human Services Aging Services Policy Program Supervisor Jennifer Case says it’s the priority issue for the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature.
The group recently held a two-day session at the State Capitol, discussing the top five issues it wants lawmakers to address. Case said the issue of the mandatory cameras emerged as the priority.
“They hear a lot about abuse in nursing homes, and how difficult it can be sometimes to prove it,” Case told KTOK.
Group pushes for surveillance cameras in nursing homes | freedom43tv.com – Oklahoma City News & Weather from KAUT Television Freedom 43

advocates for elderly target 'chemical restraint' abuse at care facilities

Calling it a form of chemical restraint, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and advocates for the elderly Tuesday blasted the practice of prescribing antipsychotic drugs for dementia patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
"It is a form of elder abuse. It's chemical restraint -- no less pernicious and insidious than physical restraint of patients -- and it should be stopped," Blumenthal said.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Blumenthal announced that he has introduced a bill to crack down on the overprescription of these off-label drugs. At the same time, health care advocates and advocates for the elderly announced that they have formed a statewide coalition that aims to reduce this type of off-label antipsychotic drug use in Connecticut by 50 percent.
Both Blumenthal and the coalition are trying to combat the practice of giving agitated or confused dementia patients antipsychotic drugs, such as Risperidone, Quetiapine and Olanzapine, to calm them down.
Blumenthal, advocates for elderly target 'chemical restraint' abuse at care facilities | The Connecticut Mirror

Woman accused of slapping nursing home patient gets probation

A Cape Girardeau woman accused of slapping a 98-year-old nursing home patient will spend the next two years on probation.

According to officials at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse, Sherri Sprenger pleaded guilty to a charge of elder abuse Wednesday morning.

The judge gave Sprenger two years in jail, but put her on probation instead. But he told Sprenger she'd go to jail if she violates that probation.

Sprenger worked at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She's since been fired.

Police say she admitted to losing her temper because the patient yelled at her.

Sprenger says she responded by slapping the elderly victim across the face with the back side of her hand. She says she didn't mean it, and she feels remorse.

Police responded after family members noticed bruising on the woman's face.

As part of her sentence, the judge ordered Sprenger to write the family an apology letter.

Woman accused of slapping nursing home patient gets probation - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Racism, patients’ lack of awareness contributing to health disparities for residents of color in Boston, specialists say

Health disparities persist in the city of Boston between people of color and white residents, and efforts to combat racism and increase minority patients’ awareness of their rights as health care consumers are needed to bridge the divide, specialists said on Monday.

Speaking at a forum hosted by the State of Black Boston, a coalition of groups that ­includes the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, public health specialists discussed findings that were detailed in a report that showed black Bostonians suffered from a number of serious health conditions at higher rates than white residents.

Dr. Karen Winkfield, a radiation oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said people of color in the city sometimes do not seek medical care because they expect to be treated poorly by health providers.

“We have to realize that it’s real and we can’t just sweep it under the carpet,” Winkfield said at the forum, which was held at the Dimock Center in Roxbury, of the racial bias she said is faced by minorities in hospitals. She also said a lack of adequate transportation and child care are obstacles to care for minority patients.

According to the report, which the Urban League published in collaboration with other groups, black infants died at rates ranging from 8.7 to 14.6 children per 1,000 births between 1996 and 2008, compared to rates between 2.8 and 9.5 for white infants during that period.

Barbara Ferrer, executive ­director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said that stress related to the effects of racism is a major factor in the higher rates for black infants. She said public agencies and other groups must work to combat the effects of racial prejudice on public health.

Racism, patients’ lack of awareness contributing to health disparities for residents of color in Boston, specialists say - Metro Desk - Local news updates from The Boston Globe

Missouri nursing home worker no longer employed after abuse allegation

 

A worker at a Cape Girardeau assisted-living facility is no longer employed there following an allegation of assault from a 92-year-old female resident. Police said Monday they continue to investigate the charges and have alerted state authorities as is mandated by law.The Cape Girardeau Police Department received a report Wednesday about the possibility of elder abuse at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau when visiting family members said they noticed their relative had bruising on her cheek, said department spokesman Darin Hickey. The nursing home resident told police she had been assaulted by a Lutheran Home staff member, Hickey said.

seMissourian.com: Local News: Cape nursing home worker no longer employed after abuse allegation (08/28/12)

Care home nurse fired

A NURSE who told a dying dementia patient it was “time for the big sleep” has been struck off.
Shiona Nelson made the heartless comment in front of the woman's family. The patient’s grand-daughter fled from the room in tears.
Nelson also let a student nurse practice taking blood samples from the pensioner, referred to as “Patient B”, and carried out an “unjustified” intimate examination of another patient.
She was in charge of training young nurses at a care home in her home town of Kirkcaldy, Fife.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council said her behaviour was “wholly unacceptable” and she was unfit to practice. Nelson did not turn up to hear the verdict.
Nelson, a registered nurse since 1983, made her callous deathbed comment in 2009 at the Adam House home in Kirkcaldy.
Care home nurse struck off after telling dying dementia patient it was 'time for the big sleep' - Daily Record

Vt nursing home sued in 2010 death

A Vermont nursing home has been sued over the death of a patient in 2010.
The son of 84-year-old Dorothy Papero has sued the Crescent Manor Nursing Home in Bennington.
The nursing home lawsuit alleges that Papero entered Rodolpho Davalos’ room and was told to “get out” before the 58-year-old man knocked her down. She suffered severe injuries and died two days later.

Police said Papero, who suffered from dementia, was known to wander about the home.
The complaint alleges the nursing home was negligent and asks for unspecified damages.
A lawyer representing the nursing home denying the claims.
Vt nursing home sued in 2010 death  : Times Argus Online

Poor Nursing Home Care

Read a great letter from a dedicated but frustrated nurse commenting on the level of care in nursing homes today: "I’m a registered nurse and have 15 years of experience working in long-term care facilities in the area. The facilities are a disgrace to humankind.

The negligent care given to the geriatric population is sinful. The last facility I worked in for two years had more than 20 nurses come in with love in their hearts and quit with their hearts broken. The nurses usually have more than 25 patients to care for — passing medications, performing treatments, helping families and documenting the care being given, all with only the help of two certified nursing assistants, who provide the incontinent care and feeding and who help patients with bathing and passing fluids.

A lot of these health care personnel don’t move real fast and have to work two jobs because of their low wages. They also have families to care for at home.

Patients are supposed to receive treatments, some of them three times a day. They are lucky, however, if they receive one treatment. These facilities are charging Medicare and Medicaid for supplies and some patients are not getting their medications properly due to the large patient assignments the nurses and CNAs face."

The Daily Advance

Disparate Nursing Home Care

The Chicago Police Department said it appeared to be a suicide. The Cook County Office of the Medical Examiner said it was an accident. But when 84-year-old Bennie Saxon fell four stories to his death May 4 at a predominantly black South Side nursing home, a lawyer retained by his family said it could be nursing home neglect.
An investigation by The Chicago Reporter found that the facility has the worst rating a nursing home can get–"three times the number of lawsuits of half of Chicago nursing homes–"and that residents get less than half the time each day with staff than residents at a predominantly white facility in Evanston operated by the same owner.
  Saxon, who had dementia, had been living at Alden Wentworth Rehabilitation and Health Care Center at 201 W. 69th Street in Greater Grand Crossing for about four weeks before his fatal fall, family members said. His family has retained an attorney to investigate whether Saxon received adequate care. "The law requires that [homes] take danger and fall precautions into account for people who are at risk for falling," the attorney said.

Murphy is awaiting autopsy reports and said a lawsuit could be filed within weeks. If so, it will be the 14th in Cook County court filed against the nursing home between 2004 and 2009, according to Cook County records obtained by the Reporter. That's more than three times the lawsuits than half of the city's 91 nursing homes; the median is four lawsuits.

At least one of those cases has been settled. In 2006, Alden Wentworth paid $600,000 related to the November 2000 death of Bernetta Hall, a disabled 46-year-old woman.
Disparate Nursing Home Care | The Chicago Reporter

Verdict in Abuse Trial

A Des Moines County jury awarded $600,000 in wrongful death damages Thursday to the estate of a Yarmouth man who died while living at the Danville Care Center nursing facility in 2009.
The decision of the five-woman, three-man jury was far below the $15 million attorneys representing the estate of Gene Bozarth requested during closing arguments Wednesday in Des Moines County District Court.
Nursing home neglect Attorneys representing the Bozarths and Health Care of Iowa, owners of the Danville Care Center, could not be reached for comment late Thursday afternoon. Jurors left the courthouse about 4 p.m. after seven hours of deliberations without commenting on the verdict.
Court officials said the request for $15 million in damages is the largest single request in more than 25 years in a civil trial in Des Moines County District Court. 
Jurors continue deliberations

Nursing Home Resident Murdered

The estate of an 82-year-old woman killed at a Rock Hill assisted living home last year is suing the home and two employees.
The Herald of Rock Hill reports the elder abuse lawsuit says the crime could have been prevented.
Pauline Cook was found dead in her shower in November at OakBridge Terrace. Her death came the day after she reported to staff and police that someone had been forging her checks.
Braquette Walton was arrested in connection with Cook's death. Police said the nurse's aide later confessed to killing Cook and trying to cover up the crime. Walton faces several charges including murder and burglary. http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/23/4750873/dead-womans-estate-sues-rock-hill.html 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/23/4750873/dead-womans-estate-sues-rock-hill.html#storylink=cpy