In March 2014, the Star Tribune reported that a resident at The Wellstead of Rogers was left unattended by staff members outside in a secure courtyard. Temperatures outside reached 91 degrees.
The resident had a documented history of cognitive impairment and decline. The resident was not allowed “to go outside alone.” State investigators determined that on the date of the incident, the facility was understaffed [H120700016] The nurse on duty was covering for another unit in the facility that was without licensed staff members.
Police officers investigating the incident reported that the resident, an 84 year old man, was sunburned on his chest and stomach. Based of investigatory interviews, one officer reported that the resident was left outside for over two and a half hoursIt is reported that a staff member was unable to account for the resident by 4:15 pm.
The resident was found shortly afterwards. He appeared to be asleep outside in the courtyard. The resident could not be roused and remained unresponsive. The first body temperature reading, taken nearly two hours after the resident was brought inside, was 104.9 degrees.
Once admitted to the hospital, the resident was listed in critical condition for heat stroke, among other acute diagnoses.
The hospital medical staff stated that the heat stroke will “increase the risk of further cognitive decline” and that the resident “will require ongoing physical and occupational therapy.”
The resident is being represented by the Koseriadzki-Smith Law Firm.
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 neglect or abuse in a nursing home, 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.
