So I am sure you have read by now, family of deceased Minnesota woman has filed a suit against the manufacturer of the peanutbutter that had salmonella.
Now - as Americans, we probably think this lawsuit is justified. Company had a duty to make a safe product - roaches, mold and salmonella found in Georgia facility, company should have to pay for death of someone that results. Right?
Well what about the local health department that approved this facility. Did they play a role? What about the cleaning staff that saw and did nothing about mold and dead insects in or near the product? Should they be involved in the suit? What about the company that took the peanut butter and packaged it for sale. Do they have an obligation to test before disbursement?
And do you think it is right that the peanut company will likely argue to a jury that they are sorry, but the woman who died was old and wasn't going to live much longer anyway?
Welcome to litigation. Who is responsible? Even if they clearly messed up - should they be allowed to blame the plaintiff? These are all issues we see everyday. What do you think? Should others be held responsible? Is it wrong to file suit when the vicitim is elderly?
I hope suits like this spark public debate about accountability. Afterall - how else can the family hold the company accountable? Send them a strong letter? Demand an apology?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
PHARMACISTS ERRORS CAN KILL
We hear from clients every month about mis-filled prescriptions and other life-threatening mistakes by their local pharmacies. These serious medical errors are made by pharmacists at the local "mom and pop" drug store but are just as common at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Eckerd, and on and on.....
A quick search reveals the following information about the frequency and effects of pharmacy errors:
* The Institute of Medicine reports medication errors in hospitals alone costs more than $2 billion annually.
* More than 7,000 patients died from medication mistakes in 1993.
* The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports that as many as 5 percent of the 3 billion prescriptions filled each year are incorrect.
My Take: Read your prescription, ask your doctor to verify both the drug and the dosage. Ask the same questions when the prescription is filled by your pharmacist. If you are allergic to any medications, that information should be documented in the medical records of the prescribing doctor and with the pharmacy which provides your medications.
A quick search reveals the following information about the frequency and effects of pharmacy errors:
* The Institute of Medicine reports medication errors in hospitals alone costs more than $2 billion annually.
* More than 7,000 patients died from medication mistakes in 1993.
* The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports that as many as 5 percent of the 3 billion prescriptions filled each year are incorrect.
My Take: Read your prescription, ask your doctor to verify both the drug and the dosage. Ask the same questions when the prescription is filled by your pharmacist. If you are allergic to any medications, that information should be documented in the medical records of the prescribing doctor and with the pharmacy which provides your medications.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
LICENSE TO ABUSE? HOPEFULLY NOT
Most professionals have to get a "license" from a state board to practice their profession. Lawyers, nurses, doctors, funeral home directors, contractors - most of us work hard to get, keep and maintain professional licenses.
We even help folks in various fields, defend themselves against challenges to their license. We have appeared before Bd. of Vet. Medicine, nursing, Medicine, etc. And often times, our clients are simply victims of misunderstanding or miscommunication. But sometimes, the actions of someone are so horrific, they deserve to lose their license and be denied access to their chosen profession.
Today I was on the Bd. of Nursing Website, and ran across awful accounts from a handful of certified nursing assistants in our area. YES - I mean SW VA.
NURSE 1
One nurse, who worked in a Nursing Home in the Northern Neck area, was found to have been verbally abusive to her nursing home patients, she stole food from them and drinks, and used their personal cell phones without permission.
OK - that is clearly wrong, illegal and she should not be allowed to serve that population. But thank God, no one was physically hurt.
NURSE 2
One CNA was negligent in failing to place an alarm on a resident in his wheelchair. He got up, fell, hit his head and was injured.
That is also not acceptable, but probably not intentional abuse or neglect. Still actionable as a civil lawsuit, but maybe not an intentional act.
NURSE 3
Nurse 3, serving in a Petersburg VA Nursing Home, physically slapped, verbally abused and pushed an eldery resident, who is unable to speak. She admitted to slapping his face and hands on numerous occasions. She hit a second, blind resident, on the back of the head. Although she was fired for these actions, the nursing Home actually hired her back months later.
Now this is disgusting. Why is a mean spirited, and physically abusive person allowed to treat ANY elederly person. Thankfully, her license is NOW revoked.
NURSE 4
Nurse 4, while employed with HERITAGE HALL IN BLACKSBURG, slapped residents and was verbally abusive. She lost her license, but will be able to petition to get it back.
Now folks, why do I share this? I share it because your loved one may say to you at sometime, that Nurse X is mean, or unkind, or abusive. Please don't dismiss them. It happens every day, and sadly, in Virginia.
We even help folks in various fields, defend themselves against challenges to their license. We have appeared before Bd. of Vet. Medicine, nursing, Medicine, etc. And often times, our clients are simply victims of misunderstanding or miscommunication. But sometimes, the actions of someone are so horrific, they deserve to lose their license and be denied access to their chosen profession.
Today I was on the Bd. of Nursing Website, and ran across awful accounts from a handful of certified nursing assistants in our area. YES - I mean SW VA.
NURSE 1
One nurse, who worked in a Nursing Home in the Northern Neck area, was found to have been verbally abusive to her nursing home patients, she stole food from them and drinks, and used their personal cell phones without permission.
OK - that is clearly wrong, illegal and she should not be allowed to serve that population. But thank God, no one was physically hurt.
NURSE 2
One CNA was negligent in failing to place an alarm on a resident in his wheelchair. He got up, fell, hit his head and was injured.
That is also not acceptable, but probably not intentional abuse or neglect. Still actionable as a civil lawsuit, but maybe not an intentional act.
NURSE 3
Nurse 3, serving in a Petersburg VA Nursing Home, physically slapped, verbally abused and pushed an eldery resident, who is unable to speak. She admitted to slapping his face and hands on numerous occasions. She hit a second, blind resident, on the back of the head. Although she was fired for these actions, the nursing Home actually hired her back months later.
Now this is disgusting. Why is a mean spirited, and physically abusive person allowed to treat ANY elederly person. Thankfully, her license is NOW revoked.
NURSE 4
Nurse 4, while employed with HERITAGE HALL IN BLACKSBURG, slapped residents and was verbally abusive. She lost her license, but will be able to petition to get it back.
Now folks, why do I share this? I share it because your loved one may say to you at sometime, that Nurse X is mean, or unkind, or abusive. Please don't dismiss them. It happens every day, and sadly, in Virginia.
WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF NURSING HOMES IN VIRGINIA
....and maybe more importantly, warning to the families of residents in Virginia's nursing homes!
I'm biased but most nursing homes provide substandard care to the elderly. Nursing homes put "profits over people" and the result is under-staffed facilities, over-worked aides, and residents suffering from bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, and on...and on...and on....
But the warning I'm giving now to residents in Virginia results from proposed reductions in Medicaid funding. An article in today's Roanoke Times entitled, "Budget cuts may affect thousands of health care jobs" advises of the impending disaster. You see, Medicaid pays the nursing home bills for approximately 63% of all nursing home residents in Virginia. Due to the poor financial condition of the Commonwealth of Virginia, reductions in Medicaid funding are a certainty.
The article discusses the possibility of dramatically raising the tax on cigarettes as a way to maintain appropriate funding. I suggest you write to your state legislators and urge them to vote in favor of raising taxes on cigarettes. In the alternative, you could just hope neither you, nor your family or friends ever need to move into a nursing home.
I'm biased but most nursing homes provide substandard care to the elderly. Nursing homes put "profits over people" and the result is under-staffed facilities, over-worked aides, and residents suffering from bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, and on...and on...and on....
But the warning I'm giving now to residents in Virginia results from proposed reductions in Medicaid funding. An article in today's Roanoke Times entitled, "Budget cuts may affect thousands of health care jobs" advises of the impending disaster. You see, Medicaid pays the nursing home bills for approximately 63% of all nursing home residents in Virginia. Due to the poor financial condition of the Commonwealth of Virginia, reductions in Medicaid funding are a certainty.
The article discusses the possibility of dramatically raising the tax on cigarettes as a way to maintain appropriate funding. I suggest you write to your state legislators and urge them to vote in favor of raising taxes on cigarettes. In the alternative, you could just hope neither you, nor your family or friends ever need to move into a nursing home.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LILLY SETTLES ZYPREXA SUIT FOR $1.42 BILLION
This just in 20 minutes ago from the AP.
INDIANAPOLIS January 15, 2009, 10:56 am ET · Eli Lilly & Co. said Thursday it pleaded guilty to a charge that it illegally marketed the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa for an unapproved use, and will pay $1.42 billion to settle civil suits and end the criminal investigation.
OK folks. Dan and I have discussed off labeled use before. There is a reason it is dangerous - no studies, no idea as to effectiveness, side effects etc. There is a reason the FDA has an approval process, and avoiding it has consequences.
So what did Lilly do wrong? The Federal Government alleged (and they plead guilty) to promoting Zyprexa as a dementia treatment, when it had not been approved for such use.
Zyprexa is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Doctors are allowed to prescribe it for other uses, but Lilly is not allowed to market the drug for any other illnesses because it lacks Food and Drug Administration approval.
The case began in 2004 and was led by the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Office of Consumer Litigation of the Department of Justice.
Laurie Magid, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said they hoped cases like this put an end to a pharmaceutical practice known as "off-label" marketing.
Laurie - I sure think that is wishful thinking. I read medical records all the time, and the elderly are being prescribed so many anti-psychotics not approved for that use... It is an industry wide issue, and I don't think one large pay out will make a difference - especially when it is the docs, and not the pharm companies, who ultimately chose what to prescribe.
INDIANAPOLIS January 15, 2009, 10:56 am ET · Eli Lilly & Co. said Thursday it pleaded guilty to a charge that it illegally marketed the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa for an unapproved use, and will pay $1.42 billion to settle civil suits and end the criminal investigation.
OK folks. Dan and I have discussed off labeled use before. There is a reason it is dangerous - no studies, no idea as to effectiveness, side effects etc. There is a reason the FDA has an approval process, and avoiding it has consequences.
So what did Lilly do wrong? The Federal Government alleged (and they plead guilty) to promoting Zyprexa as a dementia treatment, when it had not been approved for such use.
Zyprexa is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Doctors are allowed to prescribe it for other uses, but Lilly is not allowed to market the drug for any other illnesses because it lacks Food and Drug Administration approval.
The case began in 2004 and was led by the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Office of Consumer Litigation of the Department of Justice.
Laurie Magid, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said they hoped cases like this put an end to a pharmaceutical practice known as "off-label" marketing.
Laurie - I sure think that is wishful thinking. I read medical records all the time, and the elderly are being prescribed so many anti-psychotics not approved for that use... It is an industry wide issue, and I don't think one large pay out will make a difference - especially when it is the docs, and not the pharm companies, who ultimately chose what to prescribe.
INFECTION CONTROL & HAND WASHING
Don't click on this link if you think infection control in hospitals is really difficult to achieve.
Click on the above link if you think simple handwashing can really make a difference in infection control.
GROSS. DOUBLE GROSS - Cleveland Clinic finds a stark contrast between nurses that wash their hands (or use solution) and those that didn't.
PLEASE - Nurses, family members, even patients. Don't doubt this - washing your hands really can save you from infection, not to mention saving others.
Click on the above link if you think simple handwashing can really make a difference in infection control.
GROSS. DOUBLE GROSS - Cleveland Clinic finds a stark contrast between nurses that wash their hands (or use solution) and those that didn't.
PLEASE - Nurses, family members, even patients. Don't doubt this - washing your hands really can save you from infection, not to mention saving others.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SALMONELLA IN VIRGINIA CONFIRMED
Roanoke News WSLS is reporting
Three deaths associated with a national salmonella outbreak occurred in Virginia and Minnesota, health officials confirmed Tuesday.
Two adults in Virginia had salmonella when they died, though it’s not clear that the illness is what killed them, said Michelle Peregoy, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Health. She did not release details about the two people.
Earlier, Minnesota health officials said an elderly woman in that state had the illness at the time of her death.
Health officials are urging nursing homes, hospitals, schools, universities and restaurants to toss out specific containers of peanut butter linked to a salmonella outbreak in 43 states and possibly to the deaths of three people.
The recalled peanut butter - distributed by King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio - was supplied only through food service providers and was not sold directly to consumers. King Nut challenged the finding, saying it could not be the source of the nationwide outbreak since it distributes to only seven states.
The outbreak has sickened more than 400 people and Minnesota health officials announced Monday they had found a match between samples from a King Nut container and the strains of salmonella bacteria making people sick across the country.
The peanut butter King Nut distributed was manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America of Lynchburg, Va. In an e-mail earlier Monday, President Stewart Parnell said the company was working with federal authorities.
Nationally, 425 salmonella cases confirmed as of Tuesday, according to the CDC.
All the illnesses began between Sept. 3 and Jan. 6, but most of the people became sick after Oct. 1.
SO VIRGINIANS - LISTEN UP. It was made in Lynchburg, and distributed to at least two companies across the US. And the folks eating this peanutbutter, are those at higher risk - kids and nursing home residents.
Please be proactive, call your local nursing home and or school and tell them NOT TO SERVE any peanutbutter right now.
Three deaths associated with a national salmonella outbreak occurred in Virginia and Minnesota, health officials confirmed Tuesday.
Two adults in Virginia had salmonella when they died, though it’s not clear that the illness is what killed them, said Michelle Peregoy, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Health. She did not release details about the two people.
Earlier, Minnesota health officials said an elderly woman in that state had the illness at the time of her death.
Health officials are urging nursing homes, hospitals, schools, universities and restaurants to toss out specific containers of peanut butter linked to a salmonella outbreak in 43 states and possibly to the deaths of three people.
The recalled peanut butter - distributed by King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio - was supplied only through food service providers and was not sold directly to consumers. King Nut challenged the finding, saying it could not be the source of the nationwide outbreak since it distributes to only seven states.
The outbreak has sickened more than 400 people and Minnesota health officials announced Monday they had found a match between samples from a King Nut container and the strains of salmonella bacteria making people sick across the country.
The peanut butter King Nut distributed was manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America of Lynchburg, Va. In an e-mail earlier Monday, President Stewart Parnell said the company was working with federal authorities.
Nationally, 425 salmonella cases confirmed as of Tuesday, according to the CDC.
All the illnesses began between Sept. 3 and Jan. 6, but most of the people became sick after Oct. 1.
SO VIRGINIANS - LISTEN UP. It was made in Lynchburg, and distributed to at least two companies across the US. And the folks eating this peanutbutter, are those at higher risk - kids and nursing home residents.
Please be proactive, call your local nursing home and or school and tell them NOT TO SERVE any peanutbutter right now.
FREE LEGAL / MEDICAL SEMINAR
What Every Family Should Know about Long Term Care & Dementia
Danville, VA – Seminar, Open to the public,
February 26, 2009 at 5:30pm
Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville.
Diagnosing Dementia in Seniors – and Decision Making Capacity
Presentation by board certified geriatric physician Dr. Gary Oberlender.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Nursing Homes – Common patient errors and what you can do to prevent them
Presentation by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.
What every family should know before placing a loved one in a nursing home.
Presentation by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.
The Event is free, and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
To reserve your seat, please call Frith Law Firm by February 20, 2009 – at 540-985-0098, or email, lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.
For Virginia attorneys, 1.5 hours of CLE Credit has been applied for. To receive CLE credit, a fee of $20 will be collected at the door.
Sponsored by Gary Oberlender, MD and The Frith Law Firm.
www.seniorevaluations.com
www.frithlawfirm.com
Danville, VA – Seminar, Open to the public,
February 26, 2009 at 5:30pm
Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville.
Diagnosing Dementia in Seniors – and Decision Making Capacity
Presentation by board certified geriatric physician Dr. Gary Oberlender.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Nursing Homes – Common patient errors and what you can do to prevent them
Presentation by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.
What every family should know before placing a loved one in a nursing home.
Presentation by the Frith Law Firm, discussing common medical errors in nursing homes, as well as how family involvement can help prevent mistakes.
The Event is free, and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
To reserve your seat, please call Frith Law Firm by February 20, 2009 – at 540-985-0098, or email, lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.
For Virginia attorneys, 1.5 hours of CLE Credit has been applied for. To receive CLE credit, a fee of $20 will be collected at the door.
Sponsored by Gary Oberlender, MD and The Frith Law Firm.
www.seniorevaluations.com
www.frithlawfirm.com
STAUNTON AREA NURSING HOMES PREPARE FOR NOROVIRUS
The News Leader in Staunton, Virginia ran a great article yesterday on the threat viral infections present to the elderly living in nursing homes. Noroviruses are illnesses like the flu...but can be life threatening for the elderly. Symptoms of infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Noroviruses generally spread through contaminated water and foods, although they can also pass from person to person. You may become infected by:
1. Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus. Shellfish and salad ingredients are most often infected with the viruses. Food other than shellfish may be contaminated by food handlers.
2. Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing your hand in your mouth.
3. Having direct contact with someone who is infected. For example, if you are a caregiver or share foods or utensils with someone who is ill, you may become infected.
Sadly, we have seen numerous cases where nursing homes residents become sick with viral infections and do not receive appropiate medical care and are not isolated from other healthy residents leading to a facility-wide outbreak of illness.
Noroviruses generally spread through contaminated water and foods, although they can also pass from person to person. You may become infected by:
1. Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus. Shellfish and salad ingredients are most often infected with the viruses. Food other than shellfish may be contaminated by food handlers.
2. Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing your hand in your mouth.
3. Having direct contact with someone who is infected. For example, if you are a caregiver or share foods or utensils with someone who is ill, you may become infected.
Sadly, we have seen numerous cases where nursing homes residents become sick with viral infections and do not receive appropiate medical care and are not isolated from other healthy residents leading to a facility-wide outbreak of illness.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MORE MEDICAL INFORMATION IS BETTER
Knowledge is power. I don't know who first said it...but this short 3 word sentence says a lot.
I spend a great deal of time researching medical issues and try to share some of the "nuggets" I find. Well....try The Center for Medical Consumers.
The Center for Medical Consumers, a non profit advocacy organization, was founded in 1976 with ambitious goals. One was to provide access to accurate, science-based information so that consumers could participate more meaningfully in medical decisions that often have profound effects upon their health. Another was to hold medicine more accountable by revealing that much of the treatment advice proffered by doctors and other health professionals is based on little or no evidence of safety and effectiveness.
The Centers articles include discussions on hip and knee replacement surgery, the drug Vytorin, MRI scans, antibiotics before surgery, and many, many more.
My Take: Be Powerful when it comes to your healthcare.
I spend a great deal of time researching medical issues and try to share some of the "nuggets" I find. Well....try The Center for Medical Consumers.
The Center for Medical Consumers, a non profit advocacy organization, was founded in 1976 with ambitious goals. One was to provide access to accurate, science-based information so that consumers could participate more meaningfully in medical decisions that often have profound effects upon their health. Another was to hold medicine more accountable by revealing that much of the treatment advice proffered by doctors and other health professionals is based on little or no evidence of safety and effectiveness.
The Centers articles include discussions on hip and knee replacement surgery, the drug Vytorin, MRI scans, antibiotics before surgery, and many, many more.
My Take: Be Powerful when it comes to your healthcare.
Monday, January 12, 2009
ANOTHER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN A NURSING HOME
I hate reading about this. HATE IT - but here is another case where a nursing home resident is assaulted.
This happens more than you think folks - and it is devastating. One local doctor told me he just couldn't believe someone would do something like this, and that is why he never considered his patient had been raped.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Nursing home employee charged with raping woman with CP
From the Belleville News-Democrat in Illinois:
"A former employee at a Normandy area nursing home was arrested and charged earlier this week for raping a resident of the nursing home.
Lt. Frank Minnini of the Normandy Police Department said the incident took place December 21 at the Normandy Nursing Center, located in the 7300 block of St. Charles Rock Road.
Police arrested Antonio McCoy on Wednesday, January 7, and charged him the following day. He's being held in the St. Louis County Jail on $200,000 cash only bond, Minnini said.
McCoy had worked at the nursing home for nearly a year and a half and passed a background check, according to Kerry Kaufmann, the administrator of the home.
The victim, a 36-year-old woman, suffered from cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Police allege McCoy attacked the woman in a stairwell and raped her.
A spokesperson for the nursing home said they would not comment on the story until Monday."
This happens more than you think folks - and it is devastating. One local doctor told me he just couldn't believe someone would do something like this, and that is why he never considered his patient had been raped.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Nursing home employee charged with raping woman with CP
From the Belleville News-Democrat in Illinois:
"A former employee at a Normandy area nursing home was arrested and charged earlier this week for raping a resident of the nursing home.
Lt. Frank Minnini of the Normandy Police Department said the incident took place December 21 at the Normandy Nursing Center, located in the 7300 block of St. Charles Rock Road.
Police arrested Antonio McCoy on Wednesday, January 7, and charged him the following day. He's being held in the St. Louis County Jail on $200,000 cash only bond, Minnini said.
McCoy had worked at the nursing home for nearly a year and a half and passed a background check, according to Kerry Kaufmann, the administrator of the home.
The victim, a 36-year-old woman, suffered from cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Police allege McCoy attacked the woman in a stairwell and raped her.
A spokesperson for the nursing home said they would not comment on the story until Monday."
Friday, January 09, 2009
RATING SYSTEM - HELPFUL? NOT EVERYONE THINKS SO
Dan and I wrote a few posts in December when Medicare began its 5 star rating program for nursing homes. 5 being great, 1 star being really terrible (OK - so I am paraphrasing).
Well I like the idea of a simple rating system. Lawyers have one. AV rated being the best, BV the next best, etc. Restaurants have one. Hotels do too. Nursing Homes are commercial in so much as families chose, and then often have to pay. So why wouldn't a 5 star rating system, based on national guidelines and the government's information be a good thing? After all, it isn't done by a private group looking to create doubt or bias.
Well the President of the American Association of Homes and Services for the aging, doesn't like the 5 star system.
“What is being launched" "is poorly planned, prematurely implemented and ham-handedly rolled out.” So said a press release “rocket” from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), quoting President and CEO Larry Minnix on the eve of the federal government’s December 18 release of its Five-Star Rating System for nursing homes.
Check it out for yourself. Had a good experience with a local nursing home? Look up their rating? A terrible experience, maybe the rating system would have helped you chose!
Well I like the idea of a simple rating system. Lawyers have one. AV rated being the best, BV the next best, etc. Restaurants have one. Hotels do too. Nursing Homes are commercial in so much as families chose, and then often have to pay. So why wouldn't a 5 star rating system, based on national guidelines and the government's information be a good thing? After all, it isn't done by a private group looking to create doubt or bias.
Well the President of the American Association of Homes and Services for the aging, doesn't like the 5 star system.
“What is being launched" "is poorly planned, prematurely implemented and ham-handedly rolled out.” So said a press release “rocket” from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), quoting President and CEO Larry Minnix on the eve of the federal government’s December 18 release of its Five-Star Rating System for nursing homes.
Check it out for yourself. Had a good experience with a local nursing home? Look up their rating? A terrible experience, maybe the rating system would have helped you chose!
NORTH CAROLINA NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR ATTEMPTS COVER UP
I wrote yesterday about the tragic and unnecessary death of Annie Scarboro, a 87-year-old Alzheimer's patient living at the Five Oaks Manor nursing home in Concord, North Carolina.
Well guess what? Five Oaks Manor, and it administrator, are back in the news. Apparently, the administrator failed to notify state investigators of Scarboro's death as required and the investigation of the facility and the circumstances surrounding the event was conducted as a result of an anonymous complaint.
My Take: I hope the state of North Carolina throws the book at the administrator and the owners of Five Oaks Manor.
Well guess what? Five Oaks Manor, and it administrator, are back in the news. Apparently, the administrator failed to notify state investigators of Scarboro's death as required and the investigation of the facility and the circumstances surrounding the event was conducted as a result of an anonymous complaint.
My Take: I hope the state of North Carolina throws the book at the administrator and the owners of Five Oaks Manor.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
NORTH CAROLINA NURSING HOME AT FAULT FOR ELOPEMENT DEATH
This story happens all too frequently. An elderly nursing home resident who suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease wanders away from a facility and is found dead hours, days, weeks, or months later.
An investigation by the state of North Carolina shows that a nursing home in Concord made several mistakes, which could have played a role in the death of a patient. The report says that the staff and director of Five Oaks Manor knew that 87-year-old Annie Bell Scarboro could be in danger because she had wandered off before. Scarboro got through three sets of doors unsupervised. First, she went through the dining room doors. A worker says those doors hadn't locked properly for at least eight months. Then, Scarboro went through the kitchen doors and out a back door leading to the loading dock. The back door, according to the report, had no alarm. Scarboro fell 4 feet off the loading dock .The "merry walker" chair she used to get around landed on top of her. A nurse who found Scarboro told inspectors, "I went out there and saw her blood was running everywhere."
My Take: Mrs. Scarboro didn't need to die...and she would be alive today had she received the proper care she and her family paid for.
An investigation by the state of North Carolina shows that a nursing home in Concord made several mistakes, which could have played a role in the death of a patient. The report says that the staff and director of Five Oaks Manor knew that 87-year-old Annie Bell Scarboro could be in danger because she had wandered off before. Scarboro got through three sets of doors unsupervised. First, she went through the dining room doors. A worker says those doors hadn't locked properly for at least eight months. Then, Scarboro went through the kitchen doors and out a back door leading to the loading dock. The back door, according to the report, had no alarm. Scarboro fell 4 feet off the loading dock .The "merry walker" chair she used to get around landed on top of her. A nurse who found Scarboro told inspectors, "I went out there and saw her blood was running everywhere."
My Take: Mrs. Scarboro didn't need to die...and she would be alive today had she received the proper care she and her family paid for.
Friday, January 02, 2009
VIRGINIA NURSING HOMES IN THE NEWS
I had some free time between Christmas and New Years so I though I would do a little on the Internet to see if there were any interesting stories in the news about Virginia's nursing home. I was saddened to find the following:
Mark Albright, a former licensed practical nurse at the Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation Center Chesapeake, VA), pled guilty to the sexual assault and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in March 2009. Albright was discovered with his mouth on the woman's breast when another employee entered her room.
Richard Eddie Robertson, a 71 year-old resident of Bowling Green Health Care Center in Bowling Green, Virginia, suffered from dementia. On August 3, 2008, he wandered away from the facility, unnoticed. He was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. the same day. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of other local authorities, began an air and ground search, which failed to locate him. A tracking dog had tracked him approximately one-half of a mile away from the facility, but the trail went dead. Tragically, Mr. Robertson was found dead on August 15, 2008 - nearly two weeks after he went missing.
My Take: We owe our elderly much, much better than they are getting in Virginia's nursing homes!
Mark Albright, a former licensed practical nurse at the Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation Center Chesapeake, VA), pled guilty to the sexual assault and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in March 2009. Albright was discovered with his mouth on the woman's breast when another employee entered her room.
Richard Eddie Robertson, a 71 year-old resident of Bowling Green Health Care Center in Bowling Green, Virginia, suffered from dementia. On August 3, 2008, he wandered away from the facility, unnoticed. He was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. the same day. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of other local authorities, began an air and ground search, which failed to locate him. A tracking dog had tracked him approximately one-half of a mile away from the facility, but the trail went dead. Tragically, Mr. Robertson was found dead on August 15, 2008 - nearly two weeks after he went missing.
My Take: We owe our elderly much, much better than they are getting in Virginia's nursing homes!
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