SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka $20,000 (Statement of Violation - PDF) due to the death of a resident who fell and struck her head while being transferred by staff from her bed to a wheelchair. The 119-bed skilled, intermediate and sheltered care facility is located at 610 Cruger Ave. in Eureka.

As part of an incident report investigation, Department surveyors were told straps on a mechanical lift slipped as the resident was being moved and she dropped three feet to the floor, striking the back of her head. The resident died four days later from a blood clot in the brain.

According to facility staff, the resident was flailing her arms and grabbing at the straps while two nurse's aides were attempting to move her. The aides said they were trying to calm the resident and did not notice the strap had come loose. Because of the resident's combative nature, it had been recommended that three staff be present during a mechanical lift.

During the investigation, Department surveyors also learned another resident had sustained a fractured hip when she was left standing alone at her walker. The resident was to have one or two staff members stay with her when using the walker. The employee, who was reprimanded for the incident, said she did not sit the resident down before leaving her because she was in a hurry. The resident had sustained other fractures during previous falls.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to review its policies relating to the safety of residents, use of mechanical lifts and supervision of residents; and to ensure that direct care staff are made aware of the level of care required by each resident they are assigned to and that nurse's aides are aware of their specific job duties.

Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.