A Peoria, Illinois nursing home has been fined $40,000 stemming from violations in July of 2007 for not developing or implementing a plan to reduce the number and frequencies of falls experienced by its residents.
According to documents from the state department of health, Manor Court of Peoria did not properly supervise three patients at risk for falls, nor did the home circulate information about the high-risk residents among its staff members. The investigation also determined the home’s operating policy on the books was insufficient. The health department cited the case of a 93-year-old man who was admitted to Manor Court in November 2006 with renal failure, congestive heart failure and hypertension. The patient’s report noted he was moderately mentally impaired and needed assistance to move around. Between Jan. 11, 2007, and May 2, 2007, nurses found the man on four separate occasions lying on the floor, either in his bedroom or near the bathroom. He eventually was taken to a hospital to treat an injury he suffered to the left hip and arm.
I applaud the state department of health! Fines must be substantial if they are intended to punish poor care and get the attention of the facility owners.