Arkansas CNA Charged With Manslaughter
An Arkansas CNA faces manslaughter charges after a resident under her care had unexplained burns on his body.
The CNA was arrested on Wednesday and charged with manslaughter in the death of a 65 year-old resident at Three Rivers Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. The resident, who was paralyzed, was found unresponsive in his electric wheelchair at a cemetery located approximately one mile from the facility.
The man was transported to a local hospital and then taken to The Med in Memphis, Tennessee, where he died on June 4. An autopsy revealed that the man had severe burns on the lower half of his body.
According to the police investigation, the CNA had given the man a bath on June 4 in a whirlpool often used for residents confined to wheelchairs. The resident's body had areas that were unburned on his body that were consistent with straps used to keep him stable in the chair while bathing. According to the prosecuting attorney, "The medical examiner said his death was related to the burns. We found that the CNA was responsible for the bath. She didn't treat or dress the burns and she failed to notify anyone about the burns.
The CNA is set to enter a plea to the charges on July 25, 2011.
Elderly nursing home residents often have fragile skin. Subsequently, nursing home staff must employ all safety measures possible when bathing residents, especially paralyzed residents who are unable to feel extremes in temperature. It is the responsibility of the nursing home and its related corporate entities to ensure that facility staff are properly in-serviced on the sensitive job of bathing the elderly residents. Included in that training should be the appropriate temperature for bathing residents. Sadly, injuries such as this are not uncommon.
This injury could have and should have been avoided. Facility staff should be familiar with facility policies for proper bath water temperatures to insure that residents are not accidentally scalded. If policies and procedures fail to address appropriate temperatures, then staff should test the water before the elderly resident is bathed. If the water is hot to the point of being uncomfortable to their touch, then they know that it will be uncomfortable for the elderly resident.
TheTerry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you or a loved one has suffered injury at the hands of nursing home staff, contact David Terry at 1-888-317-2525 to schedule your FREE, no obligation consultation today.
