The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has completed its investigation of neglect concerns at the Cherrywood Advanced Living, an assisted living facility in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. A complaint was filed with the MDH alleging that a client was neglected when staff failed to provide adequate supervision. The client wandered outside, was in subzero temperatures for 25 minutes, and was found with blisters on his/her fingers and was admitted to the hospital with hypothermia.
The MDH investigated the matter and found that based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect of supervision did occur when the facility staff failed to adequately supervise the client. The client had dementia and a history of exit seeking behaviors with a care plan indicating that the client was a wandering risk and staff were to check on the client hourly. Over a five-month period, the client left the building under-supervised six times. The sixth elopement, the resident left without staff knowledge, and suffered hypothermia and blisters to her/his fingers in subzero temperatures. The client required hospitalization and wound care as a result of the injuries.
The MDH determined that the facility is responsible for neglect of the facility’s resident. There were system breakdowns related to providing adequate staffing and supervision to care for the client. Staff were inconsistent and unsure as to what the client’s plan of care stated in relation to the client’s supervision. [Case no. HL27306006]
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 or other care facility, 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.
