March 23, 2001

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Manorcare at Palos Heights West $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failing to provide prescribed medications or to notify a resident's physician of a significant change in her condition. The 120-bed skilled care facility is located at 11860 Southwest Highway in Palos Heights.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned that, four days after a resident walked into the facility, she was unable to stand or walk and had to be taken out of the facility in a wheelchair. She died of congestive heart failure six hours later.

During her first night at the facility, the resident fell on the way to the bathroom and was found by staff lying on the floor. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for a torn rotator cuff and a bump to the head.

After returning from the hospital, the resident complained of nausea, vomited, refused to eat and did not receive a neurological check or prescribed medications. Her physician was not notified of the changes in her condition.

Through staff interviews and a review of the resident's records, surveyors determined the resident had not been given approximately 20 prescribed medications, including heart medicine, and had not received nutritional supplements that were to be given three times a day. Her physician said the woman had been "kept alive" by the medications.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required facility administration to ensure policies and procedures are in place to meet the total needs of its residents, to ensure proper follow-up is conducted after a resident injury and to ensure residents' physicians are notified when there is a change in their condition.

Manorcare at Palos Heights West has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.