A recent inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) of the Westminster Village nursing home in Bloomington, Illinois revealed a chaotic environment. Two staff members were reported to be engaged in a screaming match with each other in the facility dining room. Residents remained fearful even though no violence was reported. Both staff members were allowed to continue to work in close contact with residents during the course of the investigation.
Another resident with painful arthritis in her knees was supposed to receive a cortisone shot to relieve her discomfort. The physician’s order never made it to the pharmacist. The resident reported that the subsequent pain she was enduring to her joints was a 10 out of 10.
Water in the facility handwashing sinks was hot enough to cause burns. Day after day, during the inspection, water that was far too hot was being piped into showers and sinks.
Other residents with histories of nursing home falls failed to have the details of their plans of care followed. Non-skid wheelchair pads, chair alarms, and other physician orders have been ignored by staff.
For families with loved ones in nursing homes, getting to know the staff who works with residents on a daily basis is the best way to determine the kind of care your loved one is going to receive.
Nursing home administrators will make many promises to families of nursing home residents when he or she is trying to fill nursing home beds. Whether or not the nursing home can follow through on those promises is a different matter.
If you have a loved one in a Chicago nursing home, and you feel they may be the victim of nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse, contact my law offices as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation.
At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, we have the experience and expertise to manage every aspect of your nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse lawsuit, and we would welcome the opportunity to speak to you.