The development of bed sores is often a sign of neglect or abuse in nursing homes. When caregivers fail to properly reposition and care for immobile residents, the constant pressure on certain parts of the body can result in the breakdown of skin and tissue.
Bedsores can be prevented with proper care and attention from nursing home staff, yet far too many residents suffer needlessly due to the negligence of those who are meant to care for them.
The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are dedicated to holding nursing centers accountable for neglect and substandard care that results in bedsores for their residents. We understand the pain and suffering bedsores 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 Gibson City
This 60-certified Medicare and Medicaid-participating facility provides nursing care and services to Ford County residents.
Not a Continuing Care Retirement Community
The nursing home is located:
620 E 1st St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4257
Website: https://www.heritageofcare.com/gibson-city
In addition to providing skilled nursing care, Heritage Health Gibson City also offers other services, including:
- Short Term Rehab
- Hospice Care
- RESTORE Therapy
- Respite Care
- Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy
- IV (Intravenous) Care
- Wound Care
- Clinical Capabilities
- Social Services & Transportation
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Overall Rating for Heritage Health Gibson City
The prevention of abuse and neglect in nursing homes is a top priority. State surveyors and investigators conduct surprise inspections and investigations of reported violations throughout the year to ensure compliance. The Medicare ratings for all nursing homes in the United States are based on these inspections.
Heritage Health Gibson City has received an overall rating of five out of five stars. Our nursing home injury attorneys have identified significant citations, violations, and neglect concerns.
Failure to Ensure That a Nursing Home Area Is Free from Accident Hazards and Provides Adequate Supervision to Prevent Accidents – F#0689
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated December 16, 2021, the state investigators determined that the nursing home failed to “determine root causes and implement appropriate interventions in the prevention of falls” for one resident needing extensive assistance in activities of daily living, including transfers.
In a separate summary statement of deficiencies dated September 1, 2022, the state investigators determined that Heritage Health Gibson City failed to “maintain safe bathroom equipment to prevent a fall, failed to repair the same bathroom equipment after the fall, failed to supervise the patient to prevent a fall off an exit ramp and failed to provide a wheelchair within the resident’s reach to prevent a fall.”
In a third summary statement of deficiencies dated June 7, 2022, the state investigators determined that the Gibson City Heritage Health nursing home failed to “timely implement and care plan post fall interventions and failed to ensure care-planned fall prevention interventions were in place.”
Progress Notes dated 5/22/22 document a resident was “heard saying ouch” from their room at 8:20 am. Upon entering the room, the resident was observed on the floor, lying on their right side, with knees bent and hands under their head.
The nursing home resident’s “head was lying next to the dresser, and a laceration was noted on the left thumb measuring 0.8 cm (centimeters) by 0.2 cm. R2 also had bruising and swelling to the upper and lower right eye.”
Protecting Residents: The Importance of Quality Care in Nursing Homes
Individuals may require specialized care in a nursing home or assisted living facility as they age. Unfortunately, these facilities are not always safe havens. Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, from inadequate supervision to sexual abuse.
When families entrust their loved ones to the care of a nursing home, they expect that the facility will provide appropriate care and attention.
A Case Study
This facility has been cited for multiple health inspection deficiencies, including inappropriate pressure wound care, failure to provide adequate supervision, and failure to maintain food at a safe and appetizing temperature.
The Importance of Comprehensive Assessment and Appropriate Care
Health professionals must provide comprehensive assessments and appropriate care to prevent abuse and neglect in nursing homes. It includes ensuring residents receive the proper bed sore care, pharmaceutical services, and respiratory care.
Additionally, nursing homes must have policies and procedures to prevent and address suspected abuse and neglect and promptly notify residents and their families of any major injury or hospital stay.
The Importance of Proper Medication Management in Adult Daycare and Long-Term Care Facilities
Licensed pharmacists are critical in ensuring that elderly individuals receive the proper medication management and care they need in daily and long-term care homes. Here are some essential points to consider:
Medication Management for Elderly Individuals
All care facilities must have a licensed pharmacist to manage and dispense medication for elderly residents. It includes ensuring that medications are accurately labeled, properly stored, and given at the appropriate time.
Emergency Room Visits and Proper Medication Management
Improper medication management can lead to medical emergencies and visits to the emergency room. Licensed pharmacists can help prevent these incidents by regularly reviewing and adjusting medication regimes as needed.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect a loved one in a nursing home is experiencing abuse or neglect, it’s vital to take action and report the situation to the appropriate authorities. Reporting abuse and neglect can help protect the resident and prevent further harm.
Here are some steps you can take to report nursing home abuse and neglect:
- Document the details. Write down any specific incidents or observations of abuse or neglect, including dates, times, and the names of any witnesses.
- Talk to your loved one. If possible, speak to your loved one and ask them about their experience. Listen carefully and note anything they may have shared with you, the resident representative, or another family member.
- Report the abuse or neglect to the nursing home. Contact the nursing home administrator or director and report the incident. Ask for a written incident report and keep a copy for your records.
- File a complaint with the proper authorities. If the nursing home fails to take appropriate action, file a complaint with the state health department or the long-term care ombudsman. You can also report the incident to Adult Protective Services.
- Contact an attorney. You or another family member can contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options if your loved one has suffered harm due to abuse or neglect. An attorney can help you hold the nursing home accountable and seek compensation for damages.
Remember, reporting abuse and neglect is crucial in protecting nursing home residents from harm.
By taking action, you can help ensure your loved one receives the appropriate pressure ulcer care by health professionals, pharmaceutical services, comprehensive assessment, timely notification, and other quality care they deserve.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
If you or your loved one has been harmed by neglect or abuse in a nursing home, seeking legal assistance is crucial. Our compassionate Illinois personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC understand the devastating impact that nursing home abuse and neglect can have on residents and their families.
We offer a contingency fee arrangement, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our team provides a free consultation to discuss your legal options and answer any questions.
Some examples of nursing home neglect and abuse cases that we handle include:
- Inappropriate pressure ulcer care
- Inadequate supervision
- Emergency room visits
- Health inspection deficiencies
- Accident hazards
- Pharmaceutical errors
- Respite care neglect
- Failure to maintain food at a safe and appetizing temperature
Additionally, we can help you seek justice for sexual abuse, physical punishment, respiratory care neglect, suspected abuse, failure to prevent accidents, failure to protect residents’ belongings, delayed notification of significant injury, and other forms of abuse or neglect.
If you believe your loved one has suffered harm from nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We will fight to ensure your loved one receives the quality care and respect they deserve. Call us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation today.
