Abbott House Ratings & Violations

Protection is one of the leading concerns of ensuring Illinois long-term care facility residents remain safe in their enclosed environment. Because of that, the nursing staff is required to follow procedures and protocols including removing sharp objects and hazardous chemicals when found in the patient’s possession. While most residents can be trusted with dangerous or hazardous objects, they share residency with patients suffering from cognitive impairment or behavioral issues. Unfortunately, not all long-term care centers adequately train their nursing staff and employees to take appropriate measures at all times. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have represented residents who suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of caregivers while residing at Illinois long-term care homes like Abbott House.

Abbott House

This Nursing Center is a 106-certified-bed ‘for profit’ Home providing services to residents of Highland Park and Lake County, Illinois. The Medicaid-approved Facility is located at:

405 Central Avenue
Highland Park Il 60035
847-432-6080

This facility offers a specialized services program, behavior modification program, psycho-social program and individualized care plans that focus on the individual. They employ a 24-hour nursing staff and the Psychiatrist Medical Director.

Highland Park Long Term Care Home Resident Safety Concerns

A list of health violations, filed complaints, safety concerns and opened investigations on statewide nursing homes can be downloaded from database websites including the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH – [ltc.dph.illinois.gov]). Many families use this information to determine the best facility to place a loved one who requires the highest level of hygiene assistance and skilled health care.

The Lake County abuse and neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC viewed serious deficiencies, violations, hazards and safety concerns at this long-term care home including:

• Failure to Provide Residents an Environment Free of Accident Hazards and Provide Adequate Supervision to Avoid Injury

  In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/24/2014, the state agency surveyor noted the facility’s deficient practice during an annual licensure and certification survey of their failure to “ensure that hazards in the resident’s environment were identified and measures were taken to minimize those hazards to prevent injury.” The deficient practice by the nursing staff applied to three residents.”

  The failure was first noted during a tour of the facility when two disposable lighters were found at the bedside of two residents. In addition, “a full bottle of adhesive remover observed on the shelf in [the first resident’s] room with a label indicating ‘harmful if ingested’”, and three disposable razors were found on top of the dresser of the other resident’s room. The state investigator noted that there were four residents in the facility out of the “list of residents with a history of depression and suicidal ideation [thoughts of suicide].”

  The investigator noted that the actions of the staff failed to follow the facility’s 08/31/2006 Consent Form for Treatment Safety and Supervision that reads in part:

  “Razor blades, knives, or other sharps, including scissors will be removed from the resident’s room if discovered during safety checks.”

  “Cleaning supplies that would include poisonous solutions and any other objects that could cause harm to the resident or others will also be removed.”

• Failure to Follow Procedures and Protocols That Eliminate The Spread of Infection

  In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/24/2014, the state investigator noted the facility’s failure to “ensure nursing staff follows current standards of practice by failing to wash hands before and after administering medication.”

  The state investigator noted that beginning at 11:00 AM on 07/22/2014, “one of the facility staff nurses was observed during medication administration. Prior to the beginning of the medication pass in administrating medication, [the nurse] did not wash or sanitize her hands.” Later that day at 3:39 PM, “another facility nurse was observed while administering medication.” During that time, the nurse “washed her hands prior to beginning the medication pass, but failed to wash her hands prior to and after giving medications to [four residents].”

  It was noted as a part of the investigation that the nursing staff failed to follow the facility’s undated policy titled: Administration of Medication Policy that reads in part:

  “Authorized personnel will wash/clean hands before administering medication.”

• Failure to Ensure Residents Remain Free of Significant Medication Errors

  In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/28/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to "administer medications as ordered by the physician. This deficient practice affected three residents at the facility.

  The state investigator reviewed multiple residents’ MAR (Medication Administration Record). One record revealed that the nursing staff failed to follow physician’s orders when administering seizure disorder medication between 07/06/2015 and 07/14/2015.

Highland Park Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

If you suspect your loved one was victimized by caregivers, employees or other residents while residing at Abbott House, call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC today. Our Highland Park law firm can provide numerous options and legal representation on your behalf to hold those responsible for causing your loved one harm both and legally and financially accountable.

We encourage you to contact our Lake County elder abuse law offices by calling (888) 424-5757 today to schedule your free, comprehensive case evaluation. No upfront fees are necessary because our law firm accepts every personal injury case, wrongful death lawsuit, and nursing home abuse/neglect claim for compensation through a contingency fee agreement.

Sources:

http://www.abbotthousenursing.com/

http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6000038FA07282015.PDF

http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6000038FI07242014.PDF

http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6000038FIK09132013.PDF