SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Morton Terrace Care Center $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to provide adequate supervision to prevent a resident from leaving the facility unsupervised. The 166-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 191 E. Queenwood Road in Morton.

As part of an incident investigation, Department surveyors learned a resident, who had a history of wandering, left the facility 27 times in a four-month period.

In the latest incident, the resident was found about four blocks from the facility by community members who contacted police. The facility was unaware the resident was missing until notified by police. The woman was returned to the facility unharmed.

Just prior to the incident, the resident was seen by staff carrying a bundle of clothes and a purse, stating that she wanted to go home. A half hour later, the resident attempted to leave the facility and was redirected by staff. That was the last time the resident was seen by staff until police called about 30 minutes later.

The resident, who repeatedly packed her bags and expressed her desire to "go home," tried to elope several times a day. A review of the resident's care plan revealed she was to be monitored for her tendency to wander, but surveyors were told by staff that this was not done.

The resident also had a history of making suicidal threats and attempting suicide. After leaving the facility on one occasion, the resident attempted to jump in front of moving car and stated she wanted to die.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to provide residents with adequate and properly supervised nursing care and to document changes in residents' conditions.

Morton Terrace Care Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been scheduled.