Kentucky Nursing Home Resident Dies After Fall, Facility Cited
A Kentucky nursing home resident died last month from injuries suffered in a fall at the facility.
The resident was admitted to Mountain Manor nursing home facility on October 14, 2010. Facility staff assessed the resident on October 15 and found that the resident was a high risk for falls. Facility staff utilized side rails on the resident's bed for protection against falls.
On October 16, 2010, the resident was attempting to get out of bed without assistance by "exiting the bed around the side rails". Facility staff notified the resident's physician, who ordered a bed alarm be placed on the resident. Sadly, according to a citation from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Office of the Inspector General, "there was no evidence the bed alarm was implemented".
On October 18, the resident was found on the floor near the bed. The resident suffered broken bones around the eye and six broken ribs in the fall. According to a physician, the resident developed lung complications due to the broken ribs and died on October 26.
The facility was assessed a Type A citation by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Office of the Inspector General, which is the most severe citation available. A Type A citation is assessed in situations where a resident's life or safety was put at risk due to violations of state regulations.
Falls are a major source of injury for elderly nursing home residents. For some reason, many nursing homes still don't take them seriously enough. Physicians' orders are to be promptly obeyed - not delayed.
