Sadly, bed sores are a common issue that affects many elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, can be painful and debilitating and can even lead to life-threatening infections if left untreated.
- About Heritage Health Mendota
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Overall Rating for Heritage Health Mendota Nursing Home
- The Vital Importance of Infection Prevention and Control Programs in Nursing Homes
- Pressure Sores in Nursing Facilities: A Growing Concern
- Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Staff Abuse Case
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.
Appropriate pressure ulcer care and attention from nursing home staff prevent most bedsores However, 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 have extensive experience in representing victims of nursing home neglect and abuse, including those who have developed bed sores.
If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of neglect or abuse in a nursing home, seeking legal guidance and taking steps to protect their health and well-being is essential.
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 Mendota
This 85-certified Medicare and Medicaid-participating facility provides care and services to Macoupin County residents.
Not a Continuing Care Retirement Community
The nursing home is located at:
1201 First Avenue
Mendota, IL 61342
(815) 539-6745
Website: https://www.heritageofcare.com/mendota
In addition to providing skilled nursing care, Heritage Health Mendota also offers other services, including:
- Short Term Rehab
- Hospice Care
- RESTORE Therapy
- Tracheostomy Care
- 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 Mendota Nursing Home
Each year, state surveyors and investigators conduct surprise inspections of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to prevent abuse and neglect and ensure that all senior citizens receive the highest quality of care possible.
Our attorneys closely monitor the health inspection and Medicare ratings of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure that all senior citizens receive care that meets accepted professional principles and all their needs.
Heritage Health Mendota maintains a five out of five health inspection rating compared to facilities nationwide.
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 09/22/2022, the state investigators determine that Heritage Health Mendota Nursing Home failed to “use a gait belt while transferring a dependent resident.”
A Physician Order Sheet, dated September 2022, documents that the resident was admitted to the facility with difficulty in walking and weakness and a high risk for falls.
A Nursing Progress Note, dated 9/15/22 at 7:28 P.M. documents, a nursing home Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA) summoned a nurse to the resident’s bathroom, “where they were sitting on their buttocks in front of the sink, legs fully extended towards the door after she lost her balance.”
The nursing home CNA stated she assisted with lowering the resident to the ground, but the CNA did not have a gait belt on her then.
Failure to Implement Gradual Dose Reductions (GDR) and Non-pharmacological Interventions, Unless Contraindicated, Before Initiating or Instead of Continuing Psychotropic Medication – F#0758
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 09/22/2022, the state investigators determine that Heritage Health Mendota Nursing Home failed to “document clinical indications and behaviors to warrant the use of antipsychotic medication.”
The Vital Importance of Infection Prevention and Control Programs in Nursing Homes
Infection prevention and control are critical in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and other long-term care settings where senior citizens receive care. It is because these facilities can be hotspots for the spread of infectious diseases due to close contact among residents, their family members, and staff.
Therefore, nursing homes must have an established infection prevention and control program to safeguard the health and safety of all those involved.
The Risks of Infections in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes pose a high risk for infectious disease outbreaks due to the close proximity of residents, their advanced age, and underlying health conditions.
Nursing home visitors and staff can also introduce infections into the facility, making it even more important to have an effective infection prevention and control program.
The Importance of Health Inspection
Health inspections are critical in ensuring nursing centers follow established infection prevention and control programs. These inspections assess the facility’s compliance with federal and state regulations and their ability to protect residents’ health and safety.
Health inspections also identify potential risks and allow nursing home facilities to improve their programs.
The Benefits of Respite Care and Hospice Care
These care settings require additional infection prevention and control measures to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
The Role of Family Members
Family members also play a vital role in infection prevention and control in nursing centers. They should follow proper hygiene practices when visiting their loved ones, such as washing their hands before and after visiting, wearing personal protective equipment if necessary, and notifying staff if they feel unwell.
Nursing facilities must follow established infection prevention and control programs to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases. It is crucial to ensure the health and safety of residents, their family members, and staff.
Pressure Sores in Nursing Facilities: A Growing Concern
Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are a common problem in nursing centers. These injuries occur on the skin and underlying tissues due to prolonged pressure and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly and appropriately.
The Importance of Pressure Ulcer Care
The quality of pressure sore care in nursing centers is a significant factor in health inspections. Nursing facilities must have protocols and procedures to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Failure to provide adequate care can result in citations and penalties during health inspections.
The progressing bedsore stages include:
- Stage 1: The mildest form of pressure ulcer, where the skin is not broken but appears red, inflamed, and feels warm to the touch. In this stage, the skin has not yet broken down, and the underlying tissue is still intact.
- Stage 2: In this stage, the skin breaks down, forming a shallow, open wound or blister. The ulcer is painful and may ooze fluid or pus. The area around the wound is red and inflamed.
- Stage 3: The ulcer has progressed to the point where the skin and tissue underneath are severely damaged. In this stage, the wound is deeper, exposing fat tissue. The wound may have a foul odor and may be surrounded by black or brown dead tissue (eschar) or yellow, fibrous tissue (slough).
- Stage 4: The most severe stage of pressure ulcer, where the ulcer has progressed to the point where the underlying muscle and bone are exposed. The wound is deep, and bone or tendons may be visible. In some cases, the wound may appear to have a cavity or tunnel extending into the tissue underneath.
- Unstageable: In this stage, the ulcer is covered with slough or eschar, making it difficult to determine the true depth and extent of the wound.
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Prevention is vital when it comes to pressure wound care in nursing homes. It includes turning and repositioning residents frequently, using special mattresses or cushions, and ensuring proper hygiene and nutrition. Staff training and education are also critical in preventing pressure ulcers.
Treating Pressure Ulcers
Effective treatment of pressure ulcers requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Treatment options may include wound care, pain management, and antibiotics to treat infection. Nursing home staff must be trained to recognize the signs of pressure ulcers and provide prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
The Role of Health Inspections in Pressure Wound Care
Health inspections in nursing homes play a vital role in ensuring that pressure ulcer care is provided at the highest level. Inspectors will look for evidence that the nursing facility has established protocols and procedures for preventing and treating pressure ulcers and ensuring that staff are adequately trained and educated.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Nursing Staff Abuse Case
If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at the Heritage Health Mendota or any facility in Illinois, it’s essential to hold the facility accountable for providing inadequate care. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can take legal action and recover compensation for your loved one’s damages.
Were you or a loved one harmed by neglect or abuse by staff members, employees, or other residents? Our compassionate Illinois personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you obtain justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Here’s why you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your abuse case involving a beloved family member:
- Free Consultation: Our lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options.
- Contingency Fee: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge any upfront fees or costs. You only pay us if we recover compensation for you.
- Quality Care: We understand the importance of quality care for residents. We will fight to ensure that your loved one receives appropriate care and hold the nursing facility financially accountable for any harm caused by their actions or inactions.
- Experience with Nursing Home Abuse Cases: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases and know what it takes to build a strong case on behalf of our clients.
Don’t wait to take legal action if you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Contact our Illinois personal injury lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form to schedule your free consultation and start the process of seeking justice for your loved one.
