Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and serious problem among nursing home residents, particularly those who require catheterization. Catheters can be necessary for some residents who have difficulty urinating or are bedridden.
- About Heritage Health Dwight
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Overall Rating for Heritage Health Dwight
- Preventing Nursing Home Pressure Sores for Resident Safety
- Protecting Your Loved Ones: Addressing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
- Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
However, they can also increase the risk of infection if not properly cared for. Health professionals in nursing homes and senior living communities have a critical role in preventing UTIs by providing appropriate catheter care following a comprehensive assessment to identify those at risk of infection.
The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for preventing UTIs in their residents. We understand the pain and discomfort that UTIs can cause and are committed to helping victims seek justice.
Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
About Heritage Health Dwight
This 92-certified Medicare and Medicaid-participating facility provides care and services to Livingston County residents.
Not a Continuing Care Retirement Community
The senior living nursing home is located:
300 East Mazon Avenue
Dwight, IL 60420
(815) 584-1240
Website: https://www.heritageofcare.com/dwight
In addition to providing skilled nursing care, Heritage Health Dwight also offers other services, including:
- Short Term Rehab
- Hospice Care
- RESTORE Therapy
- Tracheostomy Care
- Respite Care
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
- IV (Intravenous) Care
- Wound Care
- Clinical Capabilities
- Independent Living Options
- Social Services & Transportation
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Overall Rating for Heritage Health Dwight
State surveyors and investigators conduct yearly unannounced inspections and investigations of reported violations to prevent abuse and neglect in nursing homes. These inspections on quality measures are the basis for the Medicare ratings for all nursing homes nationwide to hold health professionals accountable.
Unfortunately, the nursing home in question has received an overall rating of only four out of five stars. Our personal injury attorneys have identified significant health inspection citations, violations, and neglect concerns.
Failure to Provide Appropriate Care for Residents Continent or Incontinent of Bowel Bladder, Appropriate Catheter Care, and Care to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections – F#0690
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/24/2022, the state investigators determined that Heritage Health Dwight nursing home failed to “provide opportunities for toileting and incontinence care.”
The Bladder Incontinence assessment documents that the nursing home resident “requires assistance with toileting and should be on a toileting schedule every two hours and as needed for bladder incontinence.”
On 5/21/22 at 7:55 AM, the Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) stated she began work at 6:00 AM and went into the resident’s room to change her. The nursing home CNA said the resident’s “incontinence brief was soaked with urine to the point of dripping when taken off.”
The CNA said the resident’s bed linens and mattress were soaked with urine, and the resident “stated she had not been changed at all during the previous night shift.”
Failure to Develop the Complete Care Plan Within 7 Days of the Comprehensive Assessment; and Prepared, Reviewed, and Revised by a Team of Health Care Professionals – F#0657
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 12/17/2021, the state investigators determined that Heritage Health Dwight nursing home failed to “update a behavior care plan” for the resident.
The resident’s “behavior tracking included Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) TASK charting, facility Behavior Symptom Monitoring, and Progress notes and document incidents of sexually inappropriate behavior and touching of staff on 11/10/21, 11/16/21, 11/18/21, 11/19/21, 11/22/21, 11/26/21, 11/27/21, 11/28/21, 12/2/21, 12/7/21, 12/10/21, and 12/12/21.”
Preventing Nursing Home Pressure Sores for Resident Safety
Pressure sores are painful and preventable injuries that can significantly impact a resident’s quality of life. Here are some ways to prevent pressure sores and promote resident safety:
Regular Skin Inspections
Nursing staff should conduct regular skin inspections to check for early signs of pressure sores. Catching these sores early on can prevent them from worsening and causing severe pain, infections, and even hospitalization.
Proper Wound Care
If a resident does develop a pressure sore, it is crucial to provide proper wound care promptly. It includes keeping the area clean and dry, using appropriate dressings, and managing pain effectively.
If left untreated, pressure sores can quickly escalate, leading to severe infections that require emergency room visits.
Quality Care
Quality care is essential in preventing pressure sores and promoting resident safety. A nursing facility should have a comprehensive care plan that addresses all the resident’s needs, including preventing pressure sores.
Additionally, the nursing facility should undergo regular health inspections to meet safety and quality standards.
Education and Training
Education and training of staff on how to prevent and manage pressure sores are crucial. Staff members should understand the risk factors for pressure sores, how to identify them, and how to provide proper care to prevent them from developing or worsening.
Nursing homes can reduce the risk of pressure sores and promote resident safety by taking preventative measures and ensuring quality care.
Protecting Your Loved Ones: Addressing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you have a loved one residing in a nursing facility or continuing care retirement community, ensuring that their care meets the highest standards is essential. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect occur more frequently than most people realize.
Knowing what to look for and how to report abuse or neglect can help protect your loved one and hold the nursing facility accountable.
Family Members’ Role in Ensuring Proper Care
Family members are essential in advocating for their loved ones in nursing homes. They can help ensure the nursing facility meets all the resident’s needs and addresses health concerns.
Every family member should know the common signs of neglect or abuse, such as malnutrition, dehydration, unexplained injuries, pressure ulcers, or infections.
They should also stay involved in their loved one’s care by communicating with the staff and attending any health inspection affecting their family member.
The Importance of Health Inspections
Health inspections are a crucial tool for identifying potential issues in nursing centers. The inspection process helps ensure that nursing facilities provide appropriate care and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
Any immediate family member can request copies of the inspection reports from their loved one’s caregiving home to assess the quality of care.
The Role of Nursing Homes in Preventing Abuse and Neglect
Nursing facilities and continuing care retirement communities must take steps to prevent abuse and neglect. It includes providing appropriate care, preventing UTIs, and promoting resident safety.
If a resident suffers a major injury, the nursing facility must report the incident to the proper authorities and take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Taking Action to Address Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, it is essential to take action. You can report the abuse to the nursing home administrator, state ombudsman, or other appropriate authorities.
You may also want to contact a personal injury attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases to hold the nursing home financially accountable for its actions. Our compassionate attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC offer free consultations and contingency fee arrangements.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand how devastating nursing home abuse or neglect can be for residents and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to neglect or abuse by staff members, employees, or other residents at Heritage Health Dwight or any other nursing home, our compassionate Illinois personal injury attorneys are here to help.
With our experienced legal team, you can hold the nursing facility financially accountable and seek compensation for damages incurred. Our services include a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay us if we win your case.
We offer free consultations to discuss your legal options. Our team can navigate complex cases involving respite care, senior living, and senior care to help protect you and your loved one.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 to learn how we can help you hold Heritage Health Dwight or any other nursing home accountable for their actions.
Resources:
- Reporting Elder Abuse | NCEA
- Nursing Home Regulations | CMS
