NORTHERN OAKS LIVING & REHABILITATION CENTER
LOCATED: 2722 OLD ANSON RD, ABILENE, TX 79603

NORTHERN OAKS LIVING & REHABILITATION CENTER was cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:

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 1) MAKE SURE THAT EACH RESIDENT’S DRUG REGIMEN IS FREE FROM UNNECESSARY DRUGS; 2) EACH RESIDENT’S ENTIRE DRUG/MEDICATION IS MANAGED AND MONITORED TO ACHIEVE HIGHEST WELL BEING.

LEVEL OF HARM –ACTUAL HARM

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that four (Residents #1, #2, #3, and #4) of seven residents reviewed for unnecessary drugs received adequate monitoring while receiving [MEDICATION NAME] (a blood thinner).

4. Resident #1 had an order, dated 04/28/16, to have his PT/INR levels tested every other Wednesday in the morning due to receiving [MEDICATION NAME]. Resident #1 did not have his PT/INR levels checked from the date of the order until 06/19/16 when he was discovered to have a bruise on his left arm that extended from his elbow to his wrist. Resident #1’s PT/INR level was tested on [DATE] and the results revealed his INR level was critically high. Resident #1’s PT/INR level was not checked between the test on 06/20/16 and his discharge to the hospital on [DATE]. Resident #1’s PT/INR was checked at the hospital on [DATE] and his INR was 4.8, which was identified by the lab as critical.

16. Resident #2 had an order, dated 03/24/16, to have his PT/INR levels tested every other Wednesday in the morning due to receiving [MEDICATION NAME]. Resident #2’s PT/INR level was not checked between 04/13/16 and 05/16/16. Resident #2 did not receive two ordered lab test.

16. Resident #3 had an order, dated 06/16/16, to have his PT/INR levels tested every other Wednesday in the morning due to receiving [MEDICATION NAME]. Resident #3’s PT/INR was not tested from 06/16/16 until 07/20/16. Resident #3 did not receive two ordered lab test.

2. Resident #4 had an order, dated 05/31/16, not to receive [MEDICATION NAME] until his INR was below 2.0. Resident #4 also had an order, dated 06/02/16, to have a PT/INR level tested one time on 06/02/16. The PT /INR = test ordered for 06/02/16 was not conducted, but Resident #4 continued to receive his [MEDICATION NAME] from 06/02/16 through 0614/16. Resident #4’s PT/INR was not checked until 06/15/16.

This failure could affect the seven residents receiving [MEDICATION NAME] by placing them at risk for receiving unnecessary doses of medication and experiencing undesirable side effects as well as potentially causing undetected health issues, delayed treatment, uncontrolled bleeding, and death.

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 well by filing a state complaint, hiring a specialized nursing home attorney or helping you find a more suitable location for your loved one.

Contact us through our CONTACT FORM located on our website here below or on the sidebar or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262.

You can make a difference even if your loved one has already passed away.