The state is investigating a possible case of Florida nursing home negligence involving a 76-year-old patient who had maggots in his eye socket. The man, John Stumpp, had lost an eye to cancer and was suffering from an infection.
The maggots were discovered when he sought treatment at a Veterans Administration facility. The VA has filed a report with the Florida Department of Children & Families’ Adult Protective Services.
Gainesville Health Care Center, which has ownership ties to Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County, is the assisted living facility that was in charge of Stumpp’s nursing care. One of a number of Florida nursing homes that state regulators have given a one-star rating, which is the lowest ranking possible and places it in the lower 20% of nursing homes in its region, by November 2009 the Agency for Health Care Administration had flagged 39 violations at the assisted living facility over the two previous years.
Just last month, AHCA paid an unannounced visit to the Gainesville nursing home and cited it for failing to tell a doctor about problems that nursing home workers experienced when attempting to following instructions regarding the changing one patient’s bandages. Also, a bottle of liquid bleach had been left on a patient’s dresser and there was an elevator that needed cleaning and repairs.
Florida Nursing Home Neglect
Inadequate nursing care is a form of Miami nursing home neglect and can cause infections, deterioration of health, and Florida wrongful death. Nursing home workers are supposed to follow the instructions issued to make sure that each resident gets the care that he or she needs. Any changes in a patient’s health must be reported to his/her physician and family members.
Some Signs of Possible Ft. Lauderdale Nursing Home Neglect:
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Bedsores
• Maggots
• Inadequate hygiene
• Poor grooming
• Wounds that are not treated regularly
• Recurring health issues
• A dirty environment
• Spoiled bed sheets that are left unchanged
Maggots found in eye socket of man in nursing home with Palm Beach County ties, Sun-Sentinel/Palm Beach Post, September 14, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Nursing Home Information, Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration
Florida Department of Children & Families
Do not hesitate to contact our Miami nursing home abuse and neglect law firm to request a free case evaluation.