You might have heard of Clostridium difficile by its more frequently known nickname “C.diff.” It’s a bacteria frequently found in hospitals and long term care facilities. C.diff causes a host of symptoms that range from diarrhea to colitis (a life-threatening inflammation of the colon). It’s a well-known, dangerous infection.
An 82-year-old man died in the Alden Northmoor Rehab and Health Care Center in Chicago after suffering from multiple incidents of nursing home neglect. The cause of death was determined to be septic shock brought on by c.diff and pneumonia.
What qualifies the incident as nursing home neglect is not the fact that the bacteria exist because even in the best hospitals, homes, and kitchens, there is most likely some bacteria. Alden Northmoor Rehab and Health Care Center is no different. The nursing home neglect arises because the C.diff was diagnosed by a physician, medications were prescribed and allegedly administered, and yet there was no followup to determine whether or not the treatment was effective.
In fact, evidence indicates that the symptoms persisted for days after the treatment was completed, and yet no further action was taken. Two days after the treatment concluded the resident’s family members complained that his extremities were swollen and cold to the touch. Alden Northmoor employees responded by placing an additional blanket around the resident’s legs. Other symptoms also persisted. When a resident continues to decline when treatment is provided, physician notification is required so the resident can be sent to the hospital.
Even as the resident went into shock, the employees of Alden Northmoor Rehab delayed contacting emergency services. When the man finally arrived at a Chicago area hospital, it was determined that he also had two undocumented bedsores on his feet.
One of our core beliefs is that nursing homes are built to fail due to the business model they follow and that unnecessary injuries and illnesses and wrongful deaths of residents are the inevitable result. Order our FREE report, Built to Fail, to learn more about why. Our experienced Chicago nursing home lawyers are ready to help you understand what happened, why, and what your rights are. Contact us to get the help you need.
Other blog posts of interest:
Surgical wound infection at Presence Villa Franciscan
Infection from skin tear at Eldorado Rehab
Resident suffers pneumonia and respiratory failure at Mid America Care Center
Click here to file a complaint about a nursing home with the Illinois Department of Public Health.