June 17, 2004

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Maple Ridge Care Centre has been fined $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for abuse of a resident by an employee and attempts by staff to cover up the incident. The 120-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 2202 N. Kickapoo St. in Lincoln.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned a resident sustained a black eye after being struck by an employee, but staff initially submitted a false incident report claiming the resident fell against a wall, striking his face.

Seven employees were aware of the abuse, but did not report it to the facility administrator, who was unaware of the allegation until a police officer arrived and started asking questions. After first lying about the incident, an employee called the administrator and told her of the abuse. She said she didn’t report it because she did not think anyone would believe her.

After being re-interviewed by police, the employee who hit the resident confessed and two employees admitted to covering it up to protect their friend. All three employees were terminated.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to ensure staff follow written policies pertaining to resident abuse, to discipline an employee who fails to immediately report abuse and to bar an employee suspected of abuse from further contact with residents pending the outcome of an investigation.

Maple Ridge Care Centre has requested a hearing on the Department’s action. No hearing date has been scheduled.