BARBOURVILLE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER
65 MINTON HICKORY FARM ROAD, BARBOURVILLE, KY 40906
PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey submitted by DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES. The full report/survey can be found here.
FACILITY FAILED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT AND CARE ACCORDING TO ORDERS, RESIDENT’S PREFERENCES AND GOALS.
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of facility policies, it was determined the facility failed to ensure necessary care and services were provided for one (1) of four (4) sampled residents (Resident #1).
Review of Resident #1’s medical record revealed the resident sustained [REDACTED]. Review of the orthopedic orders, dated 06/22/18, revealed the walking boot was to be removed daily for bathing and skin checks. However, interview with facility staff and the resident revealed the facility failed to remove Resident #1’s walking boot and assess the resident’s foot/leg from 07/15/18 through 07/19/18, until the resident was sent to the Emergency Department due to a decrease in consciousness.
The hospital assessed the resident to have extremely severe wet gangrene from midleg down wards on 07/09/18 upon arrival to the hospital (Gangrene refers to the death of body tissue due to either a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection. Chances for developing gangrene are higher if you have an underlying condition that can damage your blood vessels and affect blood flow, such as diabetes.). The resident was then sent to a secondary hospital where the resident required a below-the-knee amputation of the right leg.
Further interview revealed the resident could smell his/her leg and reported it to nursing staff; however, the resident stated a nurse did not remove the boot to assess the resident. Further interview revealed facility nurse aides also smelled the foul odor because they told the resident he/she was going to lose his/her leg because it smelled so bad.
Continued review of Resident #1’s medical record revealed on 07/19/18 at 1:45 AM, LPN #5 found Resident #1 with a decreased level of consciousness, responding to sternal rub (the application of pain with the knuckles of a closed fist to the center chest of a patient who is not alert and does not respond to verbal stimuli). Resident #1 was transferred to the Emergency Department (ED) of Hospital #1 for evaluation.
Personal Note from NHA–Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.
You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately.
We have helped many already and we can help you and your loved one as wellby filing a state complaint, hiring a specialized nursing home attorney or helping you find a more suitable location for your loved one.
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