California Nursing Home Hit with "AA" Citation After Inadequate Care Leads to Resident Death
Ninety-two year old Robert Doscher was admitted to Valley Gardens Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Stockton, California, on May 18, 2007, for rehab recovery. He had suffered a mini-stroke, a ground-level fall at home and had other health problems, which included coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythm, an artificial pacemaker, surgery for prostate cancer, and a recent urinary tract infection that required antibiotic treatment. Once he grew stronger, Doscher was to be admitted to a board-and-care facility.
Upon admission, Doscher was noted to be at high risk for falls and staff was to check on him every one to two hours. He was also to be placed near the nursing station for closer observation, told not to get up without assistance, and a motion alarm was to be used to alert staff to any movement.
Three days after admission, Doscher was found on the floor after he had fallen trying to get back into bed by himself. He had hit his head.
On June 4, a report by the California Department of Health noted that "there was no documented evidence the resident was checked on every two hours" and he was not placed at the nursing station, as his assessment required.
On June 12, Mr. Doscher was again found on the floor. This time, he "developed a change in condition manifested by agitation and then a decrease in his level of consciousness". On June 13, he was taken to the hospital in a comatose condition. He died the following day. His cause of death? "Accidental from falling down on his head in the bathroom", which resulted in an acute subdural hematoma from blunt force trauma.
Valley Gardens Health Care and Rehabilitation Center was hit with a "AA" citation, the state's most severe penalty, and assessed a $90,000 fine after an investigation by the California Department of Health determined that inadequate care led to Mr. Doscher's death.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of wrongful death in nursing home facilities. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at (888) 317-2525 or visit us on our website at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
