IDPH has cited and fined Forest View Rehab & Nursing Center when the facility failed to use the proper equipment to transfer a resident with a history of fractures, resulting in a left femur fracture that required surgical repair.
The resident in question had diagnoses including diabetes, obesity, anxiety, major depressive disorder, weakness, and Parkinson’s disease. She also had previous documented fractures of the ankle and foot.
In an interview with the resident she stated that she broke her leg while staff were transferring her to bed using a gait belt, instead of the sit-to-stand lift as they were supposed to. Nursing progress notes confirm that the resident was transferred to the hospital emergency department for evaluation and treatment of a left acute femoral neck fracture.
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) recalled the incident, stating that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) asked for assistance in transferring the resident back to bed. They used a gait belt for the transfer, and a few hours later, the resident complained of left hip pain. The LPN admitted, “I did not know the resident was supposed to use the sit-to-stand for transfers until after the occurrence.”
The resident’s physical therapy discharge summary had documented the need for safe transfer techniques using sit-to-stand lift transfers and safety precautions to preserve her current level of function.
The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) acknowledged the issue, stating, “If staff are supposed to use the sit-to-stand to transfer it is a problem not using the correct transfer mode. If the pivot is too intense it could contribute to the break. Staff should be following the proper transfer to assure residents are not injured.”
In this case the facility Failed to use the proper sit-to-stand lift equipment, as assessed and documented in the resident’s care plan, which led to a severe left femur fracture requiring surgical repair, highlighting the importance of adhering to individualized transfer protocols to ensure resident safety.
This causes undue suffering for an elderly woman in declining health.
One of our core beliefs is that nursing homes are built to fail due to the business model they follow and that unnecessary accidental injuries and wrongful deaths of nursing home residents are the inevitable result. Our experienced Chicago nursing home lawyers are ready to help you understand what happened, why, and what your rights are. Contact us to get the help you need.
