According to EchoPress.com, of Alexandria, MN, the Minnesota Department of Health reported that three Minnesota nursing home residents were neglected when they were given the wrong medication, leading to the death of one resident.
A report released by the Department of Health on the incidents at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena noted, “the preponderance of the evidence indicated that neglect did occur when medications were given in error.” The report also stated that other “significant medical errors” were made during that time.
On June 1, 2009, a resident who was admitted to Fair Oaks due to advancing Alzheimer’s disease was given medication meant for another patient. The Fair Oaks employee realized the error about 10 minutes later and notified the hospital emergency department physician. The resident died on June 7.
On June 12, 2009, a second resident was given medication meant for another patient. That resident was taken to the emergency room and did recover.
A third case occurred when a resident was given medication too close together. The resident was taken to the hospital’s emergency room and also recovered.
When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you trust that they will be adequately cared for. But mistakes can happen as a result of understaffing and a lack of attention. If you believe your loved one has been neglected while in a nursing home, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at O’Connor Law to help you get the justice you deserve.