This 268-bed nursing home received a “below average” for both its Overall and Health Inspections ratings, according to Medicare’s 2012 annual report. Compared to the average number of health deficiencies in Minnesota (6.8), Augustana Health Care Center of Minneapolis received 9 deficiencies, including the facility’s:
- Failure to hire only people with no legal history of abusing, neglecting or mistreating residents, or report and investigate any acts or reports of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of residents;
- Failure to develop and implement policies for screening and training employees, and the prevention, identification, investigation, and reporting of any abuse, neglect, mistreatment and misappropriation of property;
- Failure to provide care by qualified persons according to each resident’s written plan of care;
- Failure to make sure that residents receive treatments and services to maintain or improve their ability to care for themselves;
- Failure to provide or obtain dental services for each resident; and
- Failure to help and prepare each resident for a safe and easy discharge or transfer from the nursing home.
Additionally, Medicare has identified several complaints and incidents related to the above health deficiencies at Augustana Health Care Center Minneapolis.
Finally, the Minnesota Department of Health has substantiated four reports of neglect, abuse or exploitation of residents of Augustana Health Care Center Minneapolis:
- In August 2011, MDH substantiated a report of financial exploitation on the part of an employee of Augustana Health Care Center. It was determined that the alleged perpetrator made multiple unauthorized withdrawals from a resident’s checking account totaling over $1,200. [Report no. H5242082]
- In September 2011, MDH substantiated a report of sexual abuse on the part of an employee of the facility. The alleged perpetrator reportedly fondled a resident’s genitals on a number of occasions and made comments that amounted to sexual harassment. [Report no. H5242083]
- In January 2012, MDH substantiated a report of nursing home neglect wherein the facility failed to alert the resident’s family of a developing bedsore. The resident was released to homecare, where an employee of a homecare service noticed the bedsore. [Report no. H5242084]
- In February 2012, MDH substantiated a report of nursing home neglect wherein a resident overdosed on Fentanyl—a narcotic painkiller, which is applied as a transdermal patch. When the resident was admitted to the hospital because she was acting lethargic and had trouble breathing, the hospital staff discovered that she had three Fentanyl patches on her. [Report no. H5242085]
The Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm represents clients in cases involving catastrophic injury caused by nursing homes and other care facilities that fail to provide proper care. If you believe your loved one has been harmed due to a nursing home’s failures, take action and contact the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm online or call us toll-free at (877) 552-2873 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
