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The use of antipsychotic medications in Illinois nursing facilities is strictly regulated by federal and state agencies. In recent years, the FDA has released Black Box Warnings to inform the public of increased risks of using antipsychotic drugs on elderly patients suffering from dementia. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to follow procedures and protocols when testing, assessing or evaluating patients who require some form of intervention after incidences of psychotic behavior. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have provided legal representation Illinois nursing home residents who been inappropriately prescribed antipsychotic medications while residing at skilled nursing homes like Eldorado Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Eldorado Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
This Center is a ‘for profit’ 99-certified-bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility providing nursing services to residents of Eldorado and Saline County, Illinois. The nursing home is located at:
1001 A Jefferson Street
Eldorado, Il 62930
(618) 273-3353
In addition to providing skilled and intermediate nursing care, Eldorado Rehabilitation and Health Care Center also offers long-term and short-term care solutions in private and semi-private rooms, along with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Eldorado Nursing Home Resident Safety Concerns
To ensure families are fully informed of the level of care every nursing home provides, the federal government and the state of Illinois routinely update their nursing home database system. This information reflects a complete list of safety concerns, filed complaints, opened investigations and health violations that can be found on numerous websites including Medicare.gov.
Currently, Eldorado Rehabilitation and Health Care Center maintains an overall four out of five available star rating in the nationwide comparison analysis Medicare summary system. This includes four out of five stars for health inspections in two out of five stars for staffing concerns and quality measures. The Saline County nursing home neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have found many deficiencies, safety concerns and health violations at this nursing home that include:
- Failure to Ensure That Every Resident’s Medication Regimen Is Free from Unnecessary Drugs
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 04/22/2016, a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility's failure to "ensure adequate monitoring and supervision of antipsychotic medication risk factors.” The deficient practice by the nursing staff at Eldorado Rehab affected two residents at the facility.
One deficient practice was first noted in an investigator’s findings of a resident diagnosed with senile psychosis, dementia and Alzheimer’s with aggressive behavior. The resident’s Physician Order Sheet (POS) included medication orders of antipsychotic medications given orally and through intramuscular injections as needed for increased restlessness and anxiety.
However, the state investigator noted that the resident’s clinical record “does not have any documentation related to monitoring [the resident] for any adverse consequences regarding Black Box Warnings” for the antipsychotic medications.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releases Black Box Warnings on potential side effects for many medications, including antipsychotic drugs that are known to have an increased risk of death when used to treat mental issues caused by dementia of the elderly.
The facility’s Director of Nursing was interviewed by the state investigator at 3:00 PM on 04/20/2016 who stated: “the facility does not monitor the risk factors regarding Black Box Warnings on any of the residents receiving antipsychotic medications.”
- Failure to Follow Procedures and Protocols to Prevent the Spread of Infection
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 04/22/2016, the state investigator noted the facility’s failure to “maintain correct infection control procedures”. The failure was first noted in the investigator's findings after an observation was made of the Licensed Practical Nurse on the morning of 04/20/2016 “performing a glucose monitoring check on [a resident].”
The LPN entered the resident’s room “and placed [the resident’s] Medication Administration Sheet, glucose monitoring kit, which stores the glucose monitor, and lancet directly on [the resident’s] bedside table without a barrier.” Once the testing had been completed, the resident “placed an alcohol pad used to clean her finger which was visibly soiled with blood after the glucose test was completed on the bedside table.” The LPN then “took the glucose monitoring kit back to the nurse’s station in which the medication cart was stored and disposed the lancet in the sharps container.” The LPN “stated a barrier should have been used for the supplies while doing a glucose check.
Eldorado Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you suspect your loved one is being abused while residing at Eldorado Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, call the Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers law offices now. Our reputable Illinois skilled attorneys can provide legal assistance to your family to successfully resolve your financial recompense claim against all those who caused your loved one’s harm, which might include the nursing home, Administrator, nursing staff or other residents.
We urge you to contact our Saline County elder abuse law office today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule your free, no obligation full case review. No upfront retainers or fees are required because we accept every wrongful death lawsuit, personal injury case and nursing home abuse/neglect claim for compensation on contingency. This means we are paid for our fees only after we have negotiated an out of court settlement on your behalf or have won your case at trial.
Sources:
http://bit.do/RILnursingEldoradoRehab
http://www.fountainviewinc.com/index.html
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ltc/docs/SurveyResult/6003248FIK04222016.PDF
