Alden Estates of Naperville

Every nursing facility in the United States is required to maintain specific standards of care for every resident. This includes providing a safe environment for residents and employees.

Anytime nursing home administrators, management, and staff members fail to maintain a safe environment, the risk of serious injuries, including falls, fractures, and bedsores, can rise significantly.

Was your loved one a victim of nursing home abuse? If so, the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC understand the length the nursing facility must go to ensure a safe environment for everyone at the facility and the legal ramifications if they fail. We stand ready to serve as advocates on your behalf to discuss how you can proceed on any case of abuse, mistreatment, or neglect.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

We publish the most current publicly available data involving nursing homes in Illinois. This information can make it easier for families who must decide which nursing facility, assisted living home, or rehabilitation center can provide the safest environment and best care to meet the health and hygiene needs of their loved ones.

Alden Estates of Naperville

Alden Estates of Naperville is a for-profit 203-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare participant nursing home (not a continuing care retirement community) providing medical services to residents of Will and DuPage counties, including those in Naperville, Illinois. The facility is located at

1525 South Oxford Lane
Naperville, IL 60565
(630) 983-0300

Website: Alden Estates of Naperville, IL

The nursing facility specializes in post-acute and traditional care services and provides numerous short-term rehabilitation services, including:

• Orthopedics, cardiac, neurological, and pulmonary health concerns.
• Pain management
• Short-term rehab
• Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
• Post-hospital stay care

The Alden Estates of Naperville nursing home facility offers a holistic approach to providing quality care and services.

Nursing Facility Patient Safety Concerns

The federal government website regularly updates its publicly available information that details opened investigations and filed complaints against nursing homes nationwide.

Currently, Alden Estates of Naperville maintains a two out of five stars rating, including one out of five stars for staffing and three out of five stars for quality measures and health inspections.

The nursing home neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have uncovered numerous patient safety concerns at the facility. Some violations at Alden Estates of Naperville include:

Failure to Ensure the Nursing Home Areas Are Free From Accident Hazards and Provide Adequate Supervision to Prevent Accidents – Deficiency #F0689

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated June 25, 2021, the state investigator noted that Alden Estates of Naperville “failed to provide supervised smoking for [one resident] to provide a safe smoking environment. This failure affected [one resident] reviewed for safe smoking.”

On June 22, 2021, the inspector observed the resident “smoking in a designated outdoor smoking area without having supervision without having an apron on him.” The following morning, the Director of Nursing stated that “residents should be supervised while smoking. The resident should have had an apron while smoking.”

A review of the Alden Estates of Naperville smoking policy dated April 2021 documents that:

• An individualized plan of care shall be developed and implemented.
• Supervision shall be maintained during all times until the completion of the smoking time. Careful monitoring is encouraged to ensure that residents extinguish and discard each cigarette butt.”

A Separate Violation Unfailing to Ensure Nursing Home Safety From Hazards

In a separate summary statement of deficiencies dated September 14, 2021, the state investigator documented that the facility “failed to ensure the safety of a resident during care. This failure resulted in [the resident] sustaining a traumatic brain bleed and traumatic spinal fracture on [the resident’s] left femur requiring surgical intervention.”

A review of the resident’s electronic medical record revealed that the resident “has diagnoses of stroke, hypertension, and diabetes at the time of admission on May 31, 2017.”

The facility’s assessment reveals that the resident “is severely cognitively impaired and [the resident is documented as] extensive assisted total dependence on careful on bed mobility, transfers, and toileting.”

Resident in Pain

On August 2, 2021, at about 9:00 PM, the surveyor was called into a resident’s room, noting she was in pain when she was turned on her left side. The surveyor noted that the resident’s left hip down to the knee joint was swollen, “slightly red and warm to the touch, faint pedal pulse was on the affected leg.”

The medical director was called to see if it was okay to send the resident to the emergency room for X-rays. Emergency medical technicians transferred the resident at 10:20 PM. The emergency room hospital staff noted their concerns “about the deformity of her left lower extremity. There was no known fall. She has been bed bound. The patient arrives awake, alert, eyes open, but no verbal response.”

A leg x-ray revealed a “spiral fracture involving the left distal femoral shaft and mild displacement.” A CT scan at the same time showed “tiny foci of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage along the height convexity of the bilateral frontal lobes is likely post-traumatic in nature.”

The resident “underwent retrograde intramedullary nailing, left distal third femoral shaft fracture with comminution and displacement.”

The Resident Has Complained of Pain During the Day

The following morning, the licensed nurse on duty stated that they were unaware that the resident had a fracture. A certified nursing assistant stated that she had come to work the day earlier, noting that the resident “was complaining of left leg pain” and that she had told the night nurse.

During the day, the resident complained of pain. Another certified nursing assistant stated that she was extra careful moving the resident “during incontinence care.”

The resident’s physician noted that the spinal fracture was caused by trauma “related to forceful twisting of her leg.”

The facility’s administrator stated that the nursing home “has no policy regards to safety during care.”

Failure to Provide and Implement an Infection Prevention and Control Program – Deficiency #F0880

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated December 8, 2021, the state investigators determined that Alden Estates of Naperville “failed to screen visitors for signs and symptoms of Covid-19 per policy guidance.”

On the morning of December 6, 2021, the resident’s family member stated that as the resident’s guardian and power of attorney, they had “not been to the facility for a long time due to a lack of visitation during the lockdown.

The family member stated her mother did not follow appropriate care protocol and that her mother was “having a hard time coping with the demise of her sister” and had indicated that she “was able to walk into the facility without any screening process, and walked around not knowing what room the resident was in.”

Visitors Not Screened at Front Desk

At noon, another visitor was seen in a different resident’s room, stating that “she was not screened at the reception when she came in.” The state investigator interviewed the facility administrator, who stated that the visiting hours were between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM and that the “reception is the front desk should ask anyone who comes in to fill out the [Covid-19] screening tool prior to entering the facility.”

A review of the facility’s policy and procedure titled “Interim Guidance Universal Screening” stated that:

To prevent the spread and transmission of Covid 19, the facility has in place a Universal Screening process that requires all persons who enter the facility to self-screen for signs and symptoms of Covid 19, regardless of their vaccination status.”

A review of the “Universal Screening” will be conducted by the following frequency:

“Visitors will be screened prior to entering the facility.”

Following Nursing Homes Protocol: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and potentially serious complication for nursing home residents. UTIs can cause fever, pain, and general malaise, leading to more serious health problems if not treated promptly.

Nursing home staff must follow appropriate care guidelines and established protocols to prevent urinary tract infections, including proper hand hygiene, timely catheter changes, and prompt treatment of urinary symptoms. Nursing home staff can help keep their residents healthy and safe by following these protocols.

• Wear sterile gloves when providing perineal care and catheter services: Changing soiled gloves for sterile ones can help to prevent accident hazards and the spread of infection.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after providing senior care
• Clean bedpans and commodes regularly
• Disposing of soiled linens promptly can help to reduce the spread of bacteria.
• Sanitize bed rails and other surfaces regularly.
• Ensure residents are adequately hydrated because dehydration can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
• Encourage residents to use the bathroom frequently to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
• Check residents’ diapers regularly: Wet diapers can contribute to developing a urinary tract infection.
• Follow appropriate care when using a catheter.
• Keeping catheters clean and dry can prevent the development of a urinary tract infection.
• Monitor residents for signs of infection: Early detection can help to prevent the spread of infection.
• Treat any episodes of urinary tract infection immediately to prevent further complications.
• Educate nursing staff on prevention measures: By educating nursing staff on prevention measures, we can help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in residents.
• Promote a culture of infection prevention within the nursing home: Creating a culture that encourages everyone to perform activities to make infection prevention a priority. Hopefully, enough nursing staff will monitor appropriate care to ensure that all staff are aware of and comply with best practices for all residents in the nursing home area.

The steps above can prevent urinary tract infections with appropriate treatment by a competent registered or licensed nurse to help prevent more serious health complications for residents.

Managing the Resident’s Health: Preventing Developing Bedsores

Bedsores (pressure wounds, pressure sores, pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers) are a common problem in nursing homes that can develop quickly, spread, and make new ulcers that are often deadly.

Bedsores develop when someone is lying in the same position for too long. The pressure from the person’s weight can block the blood flow to the skin. This can damage the skin and underlying tissue and eventually create new ulcers. The damage can become infected, and the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Appropriate Pressure Ulcer Care to Avoid Bedsores

• Perform a daily skin assessment: Monitoring the residents asking from head to toe can help identify a developing pressure wound. This includes looking for any redness, blisters, or drainage on the skin.
• Keeping the bed sheets and bedding clean and dry: When residents have sanitary bedding, it can help prevent the skin from becoming irritated.
• Reposition residents: Continuous repositioning often helps move the pressure off any body area where pressure ulcers are likely to develop, like the shoulders, ankles, feet, elbows, sacrum, and the back of the head.
• Use pressure-relieving devices: Residents can request tools to relieve any new ulcers that develop, including mattresses, pads, and pillows that help redistribute the pressure on the body.
• Inspect equipment regularly: Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and is adjusted correctly to fit the resident.
• Keep incontinence products clean and dry: Wetness against the skin can increase the risk of developing a pressure sore.
• Nutrition and dehydration: Provide adequate nutrition and hydration, which can help promote healthy skin tissue.
• Skin sensitivity: Avoid using elastic bandages or tape that can cause further irritation to the skin.
• Manage fever and pain: If a resident is in pain or has a fever, it can increase their risk of developing a pressure sore.
• Check medications: Some medications can increase the risk of developing a pressure sore. Speak with your doctor if you have any questions about medication dosages for residents in your care.
• Assist with range of motion exercises: This will help keep muscles active and decrease the chances of developing stiffness, which can lead to pressure sores.
• Promote comfortable seating: Make sure that chairs and wheelchairs are adjustable and provide good support for residents’ backs and limbs
• Ulcers: Provide care to long-term care residents affected by pressure sores to prevent new ulcers from developing.

Noticeable Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

If you have a loved one who is a resident in a nursing home, you may be concerned about their safety and well-being. You may worry that they are not getting the best care possible or are being abused somehow.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is too common and can have devastating consequences for residents.

Abuse can take many forms, from physical assault to neglecting residents’ basic needs. It can be hard to detect, as abusers often try to conceal their actions. However, there are some things to look for if you suspect your loved one is being abused.

Some warning signs of nursing home abuse include:

• Unexplained bruises or welts
• Broken bones or other injuries that seem to have no explanation
• Bed sores or other wounds that have not been properly treated
• Changes in behavior or mood, such as becoming agitated, withdrawn, or depressed
• Weight loss or poor nutrition
• Lack of personal hygiene or grooming

If you see any of these signs, you must speak up and get help. Nursing home abuse can have serious consequences for residents and must be stopped as soon as possible.

Substandard Long-Term Care: Why Residents Fall

It’s every family’s worst nightmare to send a loved one to a nursing home, only to have them return home with serious injuries. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many families across the country.

A nursing home resident’s life is forever changed after falling and suffering a major injury. Before the fall, the nursing home resident was likely independent and enjoying spending time with friends and family.

After the fall, the resident is virtually a prisoner in the nursing home, unable to participate in any activities. The pain and frustration caused by the fall have taken an immense toll on nursing home residents and their loved ones.

Common reasons residents fall in their room or any nursing home area includes:

• A Lack of Supervision: A very large facility such as Alden Estates of Naperville, with not enough nursing staff to adequately supervise all residents, is a recipe for disaster, where a fall can forever alter the long-term care patient’s life.
• Inadequate Safety Precautions: Oftentimes, nursing home residents are injured because of a lack of or poorly maintained safety equipment. For example, a resident may slip and fall because there was no mat in the shower to prevent slipping.
• Poorly Trained Staff: Nursing home staff should be trained to properly transfer and handle patients, especially those at high risk for falls. When staff is not well-trained, it can lead to dangerous falls.
• Lack of Communication: If nurses and aides are not communicating effectively about a patient’s changing condition or needs, it can lead to dangerous mistakes, such as leaving residents unattended.
• Unsafe Environment: Many nursing homes are cluttered and have cords and other obstacles lying around that can easily cause a fall. In addition, many facilities have inadequate lighting, making it difficult for residents to see hazards in their paths.
• Elopement: When long-term care nurses or aides are busy with other patients, residents can easily wander off or fall while trying to get around.
• Hazards: Poorly lit areas in the nursing home, cluttered walkways, and icy surfaces are all common hazards that can lead to falls.
• Disease: Many residents suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, which can cause them to become confused and disoriented.
• Negligence: Sometimes, nursing home staff are negligent in their duties and fail to properly watch over elderly patients or help them transfer from the bed to a wheelchair or toilet.
• Falls: Residents can also fall victim to abuse or mistreatment by nursing home staff, leading to serious injuries.
• Medication Errors: Some patients are given medication that causes them to be drowsy or dizzy, making them more susceptible to falling.
• Bed Rail Confinement: Seniors confined to a bed or wheelchair often have little muscle strength and poor balance, making them more likely to fall.
• Sitting Upright: Bedsores and other medical conditions can make it difficult for patients to stay upright without assistance.
• Prone Patients: Poor nutrition and dehydration can weaken elderly patients and make them more prone to falls.
• Appropriate Care: Staff not providing appropriate care or assistance with activities of daily living, leading the resident to perform activities without help, like dressing or bathing.
• Overcrowded: Many nursing homes are overcrowded, leading to unsafe conditions and increasing the chances of residents falling down during avoidable accidents.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death for nursing home residents. Falls account for more than 40% of all nursing home injuries. The consequences of a fall can be devastating, including bone fractures, head injuries, and even death.

What makes these statistics even more alarming is that most falls are preventable. Nursing home staff can ensure that residents are properly groomed and dressed so they don’t trip over clothes or bedding, provide adequate staffing so that residents can get up and move around throughout the day, and promptly address any issues with walking or balance.

If you or someone you know has a loved one in a nursing home, they must be aware of the dangers they may face. It is also important to watch for any signs of abuse or neglect. Do not hesitate to report abuse or neglect to authorities if you suspect abuse or neglect.

Naperville, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Was your loved one abused, mistreated, or neglected while residing in Alden Estates of Naperville or any other nursing home in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, or Will County?

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can take immediate steps to stop the inadequate nursing care and hold the facility financially accountable. Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free case review.

Our Naperville, Illinois law offices accept all medical malpractice cases, nursing home abuse claims, and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis to ensure you pay no upfront legal fees until we resolve your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Our lawyers can provide numerous legal options and recommendations on the best way to proceed to receive financial compensation and hold those at fault for your injuries legally and financially accountable.

Resources:

• CMS – Abuse, Neglect, Mistreatment, and Exploitation