Nursing Home Abuse News

Oak Park Nursing Home Fined For Not Reporting Abuse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Woodbine Nursing Home has been fined $10,000 (Statement of Violation) by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failure to report and investigate allegations of abuse by staff members. The 66-bed skilled care facility is located at 6909 W. North Ave. in Oak Park.

During an annual inspection, Department surveyors learned the facility had information regarding abuse of five residents by staff, but did not report this to the Department or the residents' families and physicians. In addition, the facility did not thoroughly investigate the allegations and there was no evidence corrective actions were taken.

One incident involved nursing staff forcing a resident into the shower room. The resident, who was terrified of shower rooms because of having been in concentration camps during World War II, was screaming, crying and trying to brace herself in the doorway as she was pushed into the room.

Another incident occurred after a resident asked an employee to change her gloves after providing personal care to another resident. The employee removed the gloves and then rubbed them on the resident's face.

In other instances, a resident complained a nurse cursed at her and called her names and two residents claimed to have sustained bruises after being mishandled by staff.

The facility also failed to remove the employees suspected of abuse from resident care as required by state and federal regulations.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to review its policy to ensure it reports all allegations of abuse to the administrator and the Department, and to fully investigate all reports of abuse.

Woodbine Nursing Home has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.