Aperion Care Springfield, IL

a.k.a. Aperion Care Capitol

There is a silent crisis concerning many mental health care facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers across the United States.

Neglecting the resident’s preferences and the needs, dignity, and respect of those suffering mental illnesses, injuries, or the aging process often jeopardizes residents’ health and, ultimately, their lives.

Were you or your loved one abused or mistreated in Aperion Care Springfield? If so, the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC represent many clients who have suffered injury or harm while residing in an Illinois nursing facility. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) to determine your legal rights.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys remain dedicated to serving as legal advocates to protect the rights, dignity, and respect of every Illinois nursing home, rehabilitation center, mental health care facility, and nursing home resident.

We post the most current publicly available data and most recent health inspections, detailing the safety concerns, opened investigations, and complaints filed against nursing facilities in Illinois Wide, including Aperion Care Springfield.

Individuals and family members are helped to make the best-informed decision when identifying whether nursing facilities in Illinois provide for all the resident’s needs.

Aperion Care Springfield

Aperion Care Springfield is a 65-bed skilled Medicare and Medicaid-approved psychiatric care, long-term care rehabilitation center (not a continuing care retirement community) providing medical services to Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois residents.

Aperion Care Springfield Capitol is located at:

555 West Carpenter Street
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 525-1880

Website: https://aperioncare.com/locations/capitol/

Aperion Care Springfield provides numerous medical services, including

• Medication management
• Pain management
• Diabetes management
• Community reintegration
• Short-term rehabilitation
• Mental disorders care
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Pressure ulcer care
• Alzheimer’s/dementia care
• Behavior/symptom management
• Wound care
• Comprehensive pre-admission screening, assessments, and resident review program

Health Care Facility Resident Safety Concerns

Each year state survey agencies conduct a health inspection on each nursing home. Should a nursing home receive a bad report, a health inspection may be conducted more frequently. When complaints are received from residents, or there are facility reported incidents, a health inspection is done immediately.

During a health inspection, the inspection team looks at the following:

• Resident’s care and how that care is administered
• Interaction between staff and residents
• The nursing home environment

A health inspection can also require inspectors to look at residents’ clinical records and interview patients and their families, caregivers, and staff.

Yearly, Medicare releases updated star rating summaries on nursing facilities, mental health clinics, and assisted-living centers nationwide. Care and appropriate treatment according to the resident’s preferences are considered.

Currently, Aperion Care Capitol maintains a one out of five-star overall rating compared to other nursing homes in the US.

The Aperion Care Springfield nursing home’s survey results include one out of five-star ratings for staffing, two out of five stars for the health inspection, and four out of five stars for quality measures.

The Springfield nursing home neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have found numerous filed complaints, investigations, and safety concerns against Aperion Care Springfield.

Some of these complaints against Aperion Care Springfield and their appropriate care are mentioned below.

Failure To Ensure Each Resident’s Drug Regimen Must Be Free From Unnecessary Drugs – Deficiency #F0757

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated September 30, 2021, the State investigator determined that according to orders resident’s medication was incorrect. Aperion Care Capitol “failed to implement gradual dose reductions for [one resident] reviewed for unnecessary medication,”

A review of the Aperion Care Springfield resident’s doctor /prescriber documents revealed the nursing staff must “evaluate the current dose and consider a gradual tapered dose reduction” however, the response from the resident’s power of attorney stated, “does not want medication change.”

The state investigator noted that “there is no documentation of clinical justification or why a dose reduction was not implemented.”

The investigator interviewed the nursing home administrator, who stated that “she would expect an attempt to implement a gradual dose reduction at least twice a year if necessary.”

The investigator reviewed the facility’s Medication-Gradual Dosage Reduction Policy, which revealed that residents’ continuing psychotropic medication use “shall receive gradual dose reductions and behavioral interventions, unless clinically contraindicated, in an effort to discontinue and reduce the medication.”

Continuing Problems with Administering Medications

In a separate summary statement deficiencies dated August 16, 2021, the State investigators again determined that according to orders resident’s medication was incorrect. Aperion Care nursing home “repeatedly failed to obtain required vital signs prior to medication administration for [three residents] reviewed for unnecessary medication.”

According to orders, the resident’s medications included 10 mg of their antianxiety drug taken 2 times every day for anxiety.

However, there was documentation from the doctor stating, “hold if blood pressure (BP) is less than 100, and heart rate is less than 60.”

Failure to Follow Protocols

A review of the Aperion Care Springfield resident’s medical records in the medication administration record in June, July, August, and September 2021 documented that no blood pressure or heart rate was being taken before administering the drug.

Investigators interviewed the licensed practical nurse administering the medications, who stated, “I charged the vitals on the medication administration record.”

One question is whether the resident does not have vitals on her MAR, the licensed practical nurse stated, “while she always did, I don’t know why they fell off.”

Failure To Provide Pharmaceutical Services to Meet The Needs Of Each Resident And Employ Or Obtain The Services Of A Licensed Pharmacist – Deficiency #F0756

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated April 13, 2022, the state investigator noted that the Aperion Care Springfield nursing home “failed to ensure administration documentation of the administration of intravenous (IV) medication by a registered nurse.”

The investigation involved a resident admitted to the Aperion Care nursing home for treatment to the right leg with an infection scheduled to receive intravenous antibiotics every 12 hours “related to direct infection of the right ankle and foot.”

However, reviewing the resident’s Medication Administration Record (MAR) during the time the resident was ordered to receive medications provided no documentation of the registered nurse’s initials as administered, and according to orders resident’s medication was not given.

An interview with the Aperion Care Springfield nursing home administrator revealed that they were “unsure why the on-call nurse as scheduled did not chart the IV medication and would expect all nursing staff to document their medications as given, including RNs with IV administration.”

Why Residents Are Harmed by Not Receiving Necessary Behavioral Health Care In Nursing Homes

Not receiving appropriate behavioral health treatment and care with infection prevention and control harms nursing home residents for many reasons. One reason is that it can lead to an increase in the use of restraints and seclusion.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that when residents with mental illness did not receive necessary treatment and appropriate care, the use of restraints and seclusion increased significantly.

Another reason for the loss of appropriate care is a decline in the resident’s overall health.

One study found that when nursing home residents with mental illness and intellectual disabilities did not receive the appropriate treatment and care, their physical health declined significantly. The study found that these residents were more likely to experience falls with accident hazards, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Care Costs Rise

A third reason is that it can increase the cost of appropriate care for nursing home residents.

A study found that when nursing home residents with mental illness did not receive appropriate care and treatment, their overall care costs increased significantly. The study found that these residents were more likely to require emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Finally, not receiving necessary behavioral health care can lead to a decrease in the quality of life for nursing home residents.

The same study found that when nursing home residents with mental illness did not receive the necessary treatment, their quality of life declined significantly. The study found that the residents affected by substandard care were more likely to report feelings of sadness and loneliness.

Appropriate Care to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and potentially serious complication for people who use indwelling urinary catheters. With appropriate catheter care, staff can prevent urinary tract infections.

A UTI can cause discomfort and even lead to more serious health problems. Fortunately, UTI recurrence can be prevented when staff provides and implements an infection and control program.

One of the most important things that can be done to prevent UTIs is to ensure that the staff follows catheter procedures and protocols, providing an effective infection control prevention and control program.

Adequate supervision is crucial to ensure that staff follows appropriate treatment and care protocols, keeping the area around the catheter clean and dry and changing the dressing regularly. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, which will help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible:

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Increased frequency of urination
• Feeling like you cannot empty your bladder fully, blood in the urine, and fever

These symptoms may indicate that you have a UTI and need treatment. Following these tips and taking appropriate catheter care and precautions can help reduce your risk of a UTI while using a urinary catheter.

Inappropriate catheter care can lead to urinary tract infections. Appropriate catheter care includes the following:

• Catheters should be inserted using an aseptic technique.
• The catheter should be secured to the skin with an adhesive bandage or tape.
• The drainage tubing should be secured to the leg with an adhesive bandage or tape.
• The catheter site should be inspected regularly for redness, swelling, or drainage.

Failing to implement an infection prevention and control program to prevent urinary tract infections could signify nursing home negligence at Aperion Care Springfield. The suspected abuse should be reported to the proper authorities to ensure residents’ safety.

Preventing The Spread of Infection

Nursing home residents are often elderly and have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection.

Preventing the spread of infection is critical in all health care settings but is especially important in nursing home facilities. Adequate supervision of residents presenting infections is essential to ensure the infection does not spread.

Common contagious diseases and nursing facilities throughout the United States include:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly contagious staph infection extremely challenging to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
  • MRSA outbreaks have been reported in nursing facilities across the country, making it essential for staff and residents to take precautions against the spread of this serious infection.
• Pneumonia is a highly contagious lung infection that can easily spread in nursing home facilities. Residents and staff should take precautions against respiratory illnesses, such as washing hands regularly and staying away from people who are sick.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and is highly contagious in nursing homes. C. diff is often spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, so staff and residents should take precautions to keep the environment clean.
• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can easily spread in nursing facilities, so staff and residents should prevent exposure by washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people.
• Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea and is highly contagious in nursing facilities. It can easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, so staff and residents should take precautions to keep the environment clean.
• Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness and is common in nursing centers during winter.
  • Staff and residents should get vaccinated against the flu and take other precautions to avoid exposure, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
  • Nursing home residents and staff should be screened for TB risk factors and receive preventive treatment if necessary to help stop the spread of this dangerous infection.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that can cause painful sores on the skin or eyes and is highly contagious in nursing facilities.
  • Staff and residents should take precautions against skin-to-skin contacts, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a virus that can cause infectious mononucleosis, an illness characterized by fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
  • EBV is highly contagious in nursing home facilities, so staff and residents should take precautions against exposure, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause cervical cancer, genital warts, and other serious health problems.
  • HPV is highly contagious in nursing facilities, so staff and residents should be vaccinated against HPV to help protect themselves from this dangerous infection.
• Adenovirus is a virus that can cause respiratory illness, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and laryngitis.
  • It is highly contagious in nursing centers, so staff and residents should take precautions against exposure, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with ill people.

State law mandates that the nursing home develop and implement an infection prevention and control program to avoid spreading contagious infections throughout the facility.

Nursing home staff needs to take precautions to prevent the spread of infection, including:

• Washing their hands regularly and properly
• Disinfecting surfaces and equipment
• Using gloves and masks when necessary
• Cleaning up spills and accidents quickly
• Avoiding contact with sick residents

By following these simple precautions, nursing home staff can help protect residents from the spread of infection and keep them healthy and safe.

Significant Medication Errors Can Harm and Kill Nursing Home Residents

In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that all nursing home facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs must ensure medication error rates less than 5% when controlling, administering, and distributing medications.

This new regulation was put into place to ensure that residents in nursing centers are given the correct medication, at the correct dosage, and at the correct time. A regulation is checked yearly with the state survey agency’s health inspection.

Unfortunately, however, nursing home medication error rates have increased in recent years. A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago researchers found that the national average error rate for nursing homes is now 8.6%.

Every Family Member Must Remain Aware How a Lack Of Appropriate Treatment Could Harm Their Loved One

While this new CMS requirement may help to bring these numbers down, it is still critical that families take steps to protect their loved ones from potential medication errors in nursing facilities.

One way to do this is by familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of a medication error. Some common signs include adverse drug reactions, wrong dosage, wrong frequency, and wrong medication.

If you believe that your loved one may have been a victim of a medication error at Aperion Care Springfield nursing home, be sure to speak with the staff immediately and request a copy of your loved one’s medication history. A health inspection by the state survey agencies should also be requested.

Finally, if you are unhappy with how the nursing home staff handled your loved one’s case, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney.

Nursing home abuse and neglect can be complex, and it is often helpful to have legal representation on your side. Should you feel that Aperion Care Springfield has failed in their duty to provide adequate care to residents, contact our nursing home abuse lawyer.

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects many people every year. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that “approximately 1 in 10 older adults who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are abused, neglected, or exploited each year.”

This data reveals that nursing home abuse affects millions of people annually. The damage that this type of abuse causes can be significant. Abuse not only strips a victim of their dignity but this disrespect fails *to acknowledge a resident’s preferences in care and treatment.

The NCEA reports that “the consequences of elder abuse can be devastating and long-lasting. Elder abuse may lead to physical injuries, psychological problems, decreased independence, and even death.”

Every family member must be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and to take action if you suspect that someone you know is being abused.

Physical Abuse

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that physical abuse or harm is the intentional or reckless use of physical force or coercion that may result in physical harm, pain, or impairment.

Physical violence includes, but is not limited to, hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning. Bruising, scarring, welts, or fractures may be signs of physical punishment or abuse.

Physical abuse also embraces any unlawful, excessive, or unnecessary use of physical or chemical means to restrain or confine an elder, such as force-feeding and physical punishment.

Physically abusive behavior often leads to negative consequences for victims, such as wounds, lacerations, psychological trauma, and even death. Victims may also suffer from a decreased quality of life due to the abuse.

In some cases, victims may be unable to live independently and will require long-term care in a nursing home or other facility.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of elders is a serious, often unreported problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimates that only one in five cases of elder sexual assault is reported to authorities.

Victims often feel ashamed or embarrassed about the abuse or may fear retaliation from the abuser.

Sexual assault occurs when there is any form of sexual contact or inappropriate sexual activity between a nursing home resident and nursing home staff, visitor, friend, family member, or another resident without the victim’s permission.

Sexual assault includes:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual touching
• Any other forced sexual activity
• Coerced nudity
• Forcing the resident to view pornography

Signs of sexual assault include changes in behavior, depression, unexplained sexually-transmitted disease, and bruising around the genitals and breasts.

Emotional Abuse

Psychological or emotional abuse involves verbal or nonverbal abusive actions by staff members that causes psychological harm to a nursing home resident.

Forms of emotional abuse are:

• Name-calling
• Emotional manipulation
• Belittling
• Shouting
• Screaming
• Refusing to acknowledge the resident
• Harassment
• Threats
• Intimidation
• Isolation

Signs of emotional abuse include unexplained withdrawal from friends or family, mood or attitude changes, and fear of staff members.

Emotional abuse can take a toll on victims, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims may also struggle with trust issues and difficulty forming relationships.

Both sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse can have devastating effects on victims.

Victims may experience physical injuries, psychological trauma, and social isolation. They may also suffer from decreased self-esteem and feelings of shame and humiliation.

In some cases, victims may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Financial Abuse or Exploitation

Financial abuse and exploitation involve the unlawful or unauthorized usage of money or possessions for the financial gain of an elderly resident in a nursing home.

Examples of this mistreatment are:

• Stealing cash
• Illegal usage of debit or credit cards
• Unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts
• Stealing jewelry, or other valuables
• Forging a signature
• Coercing a resident to sign a financial document or give power of attorney

Nursing Home Negligence

Negligence can have a devastating impact on nursing home residents. Victims may suffer serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. They may also contract deadly infections due to a lack of proper hygiene or inadequate medical care.

Negligence can include poor hygiene, bed sores, unusual weight loss, and not being dressed appropriately for the weather.

Worst of all, many victims of nursing home negligence are too frail or vulnerable to speak up for themselves, resulting in them suffering in silence for months or even years. When submitting a complaint regarding negligence, state survey agencies are necessitated to do a health inspection of the nursing home.

When nursing home management provides adequate supervision of staff to ensure that they are not overworked, lack training or motivation to care properly for residents, negligence in facilities is minimized.

Negligence Warning Signs:

• Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization
• Any incident involving broken bones, especially a fractured hip
• Any lacerations or death occurring during or shortly after an episode of wandering (including outside the facility)
• Heavy medication or sedation
• One resident injures another resident
• The resident is frequently ill, and the illnesses are not promptly reported to the physician and family.

Other Forms of Neglect

• Social isolation: Being isolated away from other residents or having limited contact with the outside world is a sign of social isolation.
• Restraints: If a resident is restrained against their will, it is a clear sign of abuse.
• Falls: When residents are continually falling, it could be as a result of accident hazards in the outlay of furniture or building design.
• Tampering with medications: Giving the wrong medication or changing the dosage without authorization can be deadly – it is therefore considered an act of abuse.
• Hospitalizations: If a resident is being hospitalized frequently for no apparent medical reason, it may be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect.
• Bed sores are a common sign of neglect, and can indicate that a resident is not being moved enough or is not being properly taken care of while lying in bed.
• Untimely death: If a resident dies unexpectedly at Aperion Care Springfield nursing home, it may be due to neglect or abuse.

Pressure Ulcers Due to Negligence

Even a minor pressure sore (bedsore, bed wound, pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer) can compromise a resident’s health and well-being.

State law mandates every nursing home must implement an infection prevention and control program that includes appropriate pressure ulcer care.

Pressure ulcers are caused by continuous pressure on a bony prominence area of the body that might include the toes, ankles, back to the knees, sacrum, hip bones, shoulders, shoulder blades, elbows, hands, fingers, and back of the head.

All health professionals at the Aperion Care Springfield nursing home, including nurses, nurses aides, and care specialists, must provide necessary medical treatment and appropriate pressure ulcer care at the first sign of developing bedsores.

Bedsore Or Pressure Ulcer Stages

Without medical treatment, a developing pressure sore can quickly degrade to a life-threatening condition within days. The four stages of bedsores requiring appropriate pressure ulcer care and treatment include:

• Stage I: In the initial stage, a developing pressure wound appears as a reddened or discolored area warm to the touch. There are no open wounds or scabs.
• Stage II: In the second stage, a pressure sore breaks open, appearing as an open wound with a shallow crater. The surrounding area is often red or discolored.
• Stage III: In the third stage, a pressure sore deepens, appearing as a deep crater with dead tissue (eschar) around the sore. The surrounding area is often blackened or discolored.
• Stage IV: In the fourth and final stage, a pressure sore extends through all layers of skin, appearing as a deep crater with dead tissue (eschar) around the sore. The surrounding area is often blackened or discolored.
• Unstageable: Typically, at this stage, there is significant necrotic (dead) tissue, dried blood, and debris in an open wound, making it challenging for a health professional to accurately diagnose the sore’s stage.
• Deep tissue injury: in this stage, a deep purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin or blood-filled blister due to damage of underlying soft tissue from pressure and/or shear.
  • The area may be preceded by tissue that is painful, firm, mushy, boggy, warmer, or cooler as compared to adjacent tissue.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a developing pressure wound is considered a “never event,” meaning it should never develop if the health care professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment of the wound, and provide appropriate treatment and care.

When nursing home residents suffer neglect, it devastatingly impacts their wellbeing. Victims may suffer serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma.

They may also contract deadly infections due to a lack of proper hygiene or inadequate medical care. When this happens, residents should submit a complaint, necessitating a state survey agency health inspection.

Worst of all, many victims of nursing home negligence are too frail or vulnerable to speak up for themselves, and they may suffer in silence for months or even years.

Visible Signs of Neglect

Common changes in the resident’s mood could indicate something is wrong. Resident’s preferences and rights are ignored with neglect. Residents who are being neglected, abused, or mistreated show signs of nearly immediate behavioral changes, including:

• Depression: Feeling low is also common in nursing home abuse victims. It can manifest as sadness, irritability, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
• Unexplained bruising: Nursing home residents may have unexplained bruises on their bodies, especially around the genitals and breasts.
• Changes in appearance: Victims of nursing home abuse may also appear to be malnourished or neglected. Their hair may be greasy or unkempt, and their clothes may be dirty or torn.
• Fear or reluctance to go to bed: Victims of nursing home abuse may often express a fear or reluctance to go to bed. They may say that they are scared of the staff or that they don’t want to be alone.
• Withdrawn behavior: Victims of nursing home abuse may become isolated from their friends and family and spend most of their time in their room or with the staff.
• Lack of interest in activities: Aperion Care Springfield nursing home residents who used to enjoy participating in activities may suddenly lose interest in everything around them.

Timely report suspected abuse and neglect at Aperion Care Springfield to ensure the resident’s health and well-being, necessitating a health inspection by a state survey agency.

Recognize that many individuals can abuse or neglect a patient, including the resident’s doctor, licensed nurse, certified nurse aide, another health professional, employee, family member, friend, visitor, and another patient.

Aperion Care Springfield Springfield Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

If you, or a loved one, have suffered harm, injury, or damages while residing in a nursing home, mental health care facility, nursing home, or assisted living home in Illinois, including Aperion Care Springfield, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help.

Our seasoned Springfield Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys can take immediate steps to restore your life, dignity, and quality of care you receive.

For immediate legal representation, call our law offices today at (888) 424-5757 or contact us now through our online chat rooms.

On contingency, we accept all personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits, and nursing home abuse and mistreatment cases. Your legal services are provided without needing to pay upfront fees.

Resources:

• NCEA – Analysis