Providence Palos Heights is a 145 bed nursing home located in Cook County, Illinois at:
Providence Palos Heights
13259 South Central Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Website: http://www.providencelifeservices.com/communities/rehab_palos/index.php
According to state nursing home data, the patients at Providence Palos Heights are primarily admitted for the care relating to the following areas:
- Alzheimer Disease
- Endocrine/Metabolic
- Developmental Disability
- Circulatory System
- Respiratory System
- Digestive System
- Genitourinary System Disorders
- Skin Disorders
- Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
- Mental Illness
- Nervous System
- Neoplasms
- Other Medical Conditions
Concerning Findings Regarding Patient Care at Providence Palos Heights
According to the data gathered from the nursing home surveys conducted by the Illinois Department of Health and other survey agencies, there have been noticeable signs of abuse and neglect at the Providence Palos Heights, which can be construed as nursing home negligence. On examining the records, our nursing home attorneys discovered the following:
- Failure to follow physician’s orders in a timely manner: “Based on record review and interview the facility failed to obtain a stat physician ordered blood draw for 7 days. A review of R1’s closed record no indication of the facility obtaining the stat lab draw noted. On 12/10/09 E1 (administrator), called the laboratory and was notified by their outpatient laboratory that no labs were drawn on 9/4/07 for R1. A review of the R1’s closed record laboratory results, indicated that a CBC and BMP was ordered on 9/11/07 at 5:28pm, the results noted an increased white blood count 17.6K/ul (4.8 – 10.8 K/ul normal range). This failure caused a delay in treatment and subsequently R1 being hospitalized related to infection.”
- Failure to ensure residents are free from neglect: “Based on record reviews and interviews the facility failed to ensure that 1 resident (R11) out of 18 sampled residents is free from neglect. The facility failed to take R11 off the toilet, after being transferred by the staff. R11 activated the bathroom call light to call for assistance to get off the toilet, but no staff responded. This failure resulted in R11 being left by the facility in the toilet for 29 minutes. R11 got off the toilet after a family member came and found the resident crying inside the bathroom. During an interview held on 11:35 AM, E23 (Corporate nurse) stated that the call light system goes to the pager of the particular CNA assigned to a resident and then escalates to the other unit staff at a certain number of time. E23 stated that aside from the pager, the light on the particular resident door (whoever activated the call light) also lights up to indicate that a resident activated the call light in
the room or bathroom.”
- Failure to adequately investigate allegations of abuse or neglect: “On 8/10/10, R78 reported to E4 that the nurse ignore her family when they have questions. Family stated that when they ask questions the nurses just look away and don’t respond. R79 reported to E4 on 10/8/10 that E5 (dietary supervisor) was very rude and unprofessional toward her. A review of the facility’s concerns forms documents that on 8/10/10 R22’s family complained to E4 (social service) that R22 was not receiving wound care, that R22’s right foot had been injured by the staff when staff was transferring R22 with the mechanical lift, and that R22 was not receiving her medication for pain. During an interview with E4 on 3/25/11 at 8:50 AM, E4 stated that all of the above residents’ concerns were reported to her by the residents and their families. E4 further stated that she was not aware that the above statements could be a form of abuse or neglect and the incidents were not reported to the administrator for further investigation. E1 (administrator) stated in an interview on 3/25/11 at 9:10 AM, that the above concerns/incidents were not reported to him by E4 as possible allegations of abuse/mistreatment. E1 further stated that E4 should have reported the incidents so that an investigation into the allegations could have been conducted and reported to the state agency.”
- Failure to provide adequate services to promote healing of pressure sores: “R2 ‘ s clinical record shows that R2 has multiple wounds as follows: Left Ischium, with order for daily dressing; Right Buttocks with order for daily dressing; Left 2nd toe with order for wound treatment twice weekly and as needed. During wound treatment observations with E16, Nursing Supervisor/Wound Treatment Nurse, on 3/24/11 at 12:30pm, R2 was observed with no dressing on the right buttocks wound. E16 stated that the dressing was removed by the nurses ‘ aid during toileting as the dressing was soiled. E19, Certified nurses Aid, was present and told surveyor that CAN’s are instructed not to remove any dressings but instead notify the nurse when dressing is soiled R2 was not lying on an air mattress. E16 identified R2’s bed as a Hospice bed. There was an unoccupied bed in R2 ‘s room which was clearly had an air mattress.”
- Failure to prevent medication errors: “On 2-15-2012 at 12:00 Noon, E8 (Nurse) administered noon medication via gastronomy tube to R29 who was lying in bed asleep. R29 was administered two medications, Isosorb Din 10 Milligrams and [MEDICATION NAME] 120 Milligrams after the blood pressure was taken. The current Physician order [REDACTED]. R29 received both 2:00 PM dose at 12:00 noon, two hours early. The Medication Administration Record [REDACTED]. On 2-15-2012 at 12:28 PM, E8 (Nurse) stated, “Pharmacy changed the time from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM starting in February of 2010 for both doses. We (Nurses) did not change the time, we have been continuing to give it at 12:00 Noon, it should be at 2:00 PM.”
Palos Heights, IL Nursing Home Attorneys
The Illinois Nursing Home Attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC represent families and individuals who have suffered an episode of abuse or neglect during an admission to a facility. Many of our nursing home lawsuits involve the following situations:
- Bed Sores / Pressure Pores
- Dropped Patients
- Fractures
- Medication Errors
- Physical Abuse
- Patient Wandering
- Repeated Falls
- Wrongful Death
Concerned about a loved one? Take the first step today.
If your loved one has been abused or neglected during an admission to Providence Palos Heights, or a different skilled nursing facility in Illinois, you should contact an attorney to determine your legal rights. Our nursing home lawyers have experience getting superior results for all types of cases. Put our team to work for your family and get the results that you deserve. All of our initial consultations are free and we never charge a fee without a recovery for you. Talk to an experienced attorney today (888) 424-5757
