Two ManorCare Deaths in Less Than Five Months Leads to Scrutiny
A ManorCare South facility, located in Pennsylvania, has come under state scrutiny recently for two avoidable deaths. In January 2008, a 90 year-old male resident fell from his bed and hit his head, causing severe head trauma. Despite his injuries, the nursing home failed to call his physician. He died shortly thereafter. A state investigation led to a promise by the nursing home to correct the problems that caused his death. Yet, five months later in May 2008, a female resident complained of a headache and dull chest pain that ran into her shoulders. No calls were made to her physician. She was later found on the floor in a pool of blood and died five hours later from a heart attack.
In each incident, the nursing home has been cited for failure to respond appropriately and failing to contact the resident's physician timely. The Department of Health and Welfare has placed the facility on a Provisional II license due to the second death and has assessed a $7,250 fine. A Provisional I license was imposed after the first death. Facilities are allotted four provisional licenses in a two year period before they face possible shutdown. The State of Pennsylvania is recommending an additional fine of $10,000 per death. The facility is supposed to be correcting the problems and has terminated a nurse involved in the response to both patients.
It is important to review the investigation history of a facility before placing a loved one in their hands. To find the most recent investigation history of a facility, go to Medicare.gov and click on "Compare Nursing Homes in Your Area".
