On March 13, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) substantiated a report of neglect on the part of Hillcrest Terrace of Chisholm. [MDH Investigation Report #HL20199033]
The resident is developmentally disabled with dementia and psychotic episodes. The resident is also incontinent of urine and had diabetes. The facility called emergency medical services when the resident was found unresponsive. MDH determined that neglect occurred when unlicensed staff at the care facility did not recognize nor inform the nurse that the client was experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection. As a result, the resident developed urosepsis and subsequently required emergency hospitalization. Additionally, the staff did not properly monitor the resident’s blood sugar.
The EMS personnel reported that they could smell urine in the hallway before they entered the resident’s room at the Hillcrest Terrace of Chisholm facility. The EMS personnel found that the resident’s room was “filthy and the carpet soaked with urine.” The records went on to state “the room was in terrible disarray with old cans of food, numerous ash trays with ash burns on the carpet, urinary incontinence, no linens on the bed, furniture reported to be filthy and ripped, carpeting had urine stains on it.”
The MDH determined that the resident was not receiving housekeeping services to maintain a livable environment at the Hillcrest Terrace of Chisholm facility.
Unfortunately, abuse and neglect against the developmentally disabled and elderly population who are vulnerable are far too common. The Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm represents many families who want to help protect the members of our society who need it the most. Although none of us want to believe that such neglect and abuse occurs, the reality is that it does and it causes catastrophic injury. If you believe your loved one has been harmed due to a care facility’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.
