SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined two Canton nursing homes:

• Renaissance Care Center, (Statement of Violation), a 194-bed skilled care facility and skilled care facility for persons under age 22 located at 1675 E. Ash St., Canton, and

• Emerald Estates, (Statement of Violation), a 16-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled located at 1577 E. Myrtle, Canton.

Renaissance Care Center was fined $10,000 for failure to take the necessary precautions to prevent a resident's death. Responding to a complaint, surveyors discovered a resident, who had a history of removing her tracheotomy tube, died after the breathing tube became dislodged.

One month prior to this incident, the resident was able to remove mittens used to keep residents from pulling at the tubes and to disturb or dislodge it five times. On the day she died, facility staff who responded when the woman was in distress were unable to re-insert the tracheotomy tube. There were no emergency tracheotomy tubes in her room or ventilation equipment available. The closest supply of tubes was 160 feet away in another wing.

Surveyors found the resident's care plan did not address her behavior of dislodging the tracheotomy tube or ensure proper emergency equipment was in her room.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required facility administration to ensure resident care plans are re-evaluated as necessary to meet the personal safety and health needs of its residents.

Emerald Estates was fined $10,000 for failing to maintain safe hot water temperatures in resident-accessible areas. A resident, who had been assessed as being able to mix hot and cold water without supervision, was left alone while preparing her bath water. After her bath, the resident was crying and complaining her back hurt. She was transported to the hospital for treatment of second degree burns to her ankles and buttocks.

Surveyors reviewed the facility's water temperature records for 15 months and temperatures in resident-accessible areas had been measured as high as 122 degrees. The facility plumber told surveyors an attempt had been made to regulate the hot water, but temperatures continued to fluctuate.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to implement protective measures to ensure resident-accessible showers, baths and hand washing facilities do not exceed 110 degrees.

Renaissance Care Center and Emerald Estates have requested hearings on the Department's actions. No hearing dates have been scheduled.