Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
According to the most recent report issued by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration’s Nursing Home Guide, two nursing homes in St. Johns County received low ratings. The nursing homes identified with these low ratings are:
Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center 200 Mariner Health Way St. Augustine, Florida 32086
Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans Nursing Home 4650 State Road 16 St. Augustine, Florida 32092
Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed facility, received the lowest possible rating of just one star for overall inspection. One star means that the facility ranked in the bottom 20 percent of facilities in its region. A five-star rating is the highest a nursing home can earn. Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab also received only one star in the quality of life category, as well as one star for nutrition and hydration. In the category of treating residents with dignity and respect, Moultrie Creek Nursing Home and Rehab Center earned two out of five stars.
Clyde E. Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home, a 120-bed facility, earned a two-star rating for overall inspection, meaning it ranked in the bottom 21-40 percent compared to other facilities in its region. Like Moultrie Creek, Clyde E. Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home also received a two-star rating for treating patients with respect and dignity. In addition, this nursing home received the lowest possible rating of one star in administration, which may include inaccurate assessments of residents’ health status, failing to develop adequate care plans and facility violations, such as inaccessible fire exits. In the quality of care category, the Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home earned two out of five stars.
Malnutrition and dehydration are two of the most common conditions resulting from nursing home neglect. Elderly residents, especially those recovering from recent surgeries or battling diseases, are especially sensitive to inadequate hydration and nutrition. A lack of hydration and nutrition can lead to other problems, such as a weakened immune system, infections, bedsores, loss of muscle mass or even death. Unfortunately, Jacksonville nursing homes are not immune to nutritional neglect. Making matters worse, malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes often go undetected because symptoms, such as memory loss, lethargy and confusion, are not atypical for elderly residents.
Malnutrition and dehydration is even more difficult for family members to detect if a resident is being fed intravenously because it is impossible to know if the fluid contains the right mix of nutrients and calories. If you notice a sudden and drastic change in your loved one’s behavior or personality, ask to talk to the nursing home’s dietitian to ensure his or her nutritional needs are being met.
Considering that one-third of all nursing home residents are unable to feel themselves, understaffing can play a big role in nutritional neglect. In fact, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 91 percent of the country’s nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for residents. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in the Jacksonville area , register your concern with the Agency for Healthcare Administration at 1-888-419-3456.
Written by Elizabeth Allen
Our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers in Jacksonville can help you determine if you have a valid case. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are happy to meet you at a convenient location and time, even after hours or on weekends.