Charges were filed against a 71-year-old Illinois nursing home resident (Resident 1) accused of killing another resident (Resident 2) on October 25, according to Joliet Police. Resident 1 was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a person aged 60 or older. The incident allegedly occurred in the laundry room of the nursing home where both residents lived.
Police were called to the facility after reports of a battery on the sixth floor. Upon arrival, officers found Resident 2 unresponsive in the laundry room. A preliminary investigation revealed that Resident 1 allegedly attacked Resident 2 after becoming angry about how he was using the washing machine. During the altercation, a staff member attempted to intervene.
Resident 1 reportedly punched Resident 2 in the head several times and used the victim’s walker during the attack, causing Resident 2 to fall to the floor. Facility staff provided medical assistance until Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived, but Resident 2 was pronounced dead at the scene. Resident 1 was taken into custody, and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Failure to prevent a resident from attacking another resident, along with inadequate Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) processes, may lead to citations for immediate jeopardy. This reflects a provision of substandard quality of care, violating state and federal regulations. If a facility fails to assess the effectiveness of interventions and staff do not promptly intervene to ensure resident safety during resident-to-resident altercations, then the facility did not provide sufficient protection to prevent resident-to-resident abuse.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures for accurately assessing residents before and after admission for the risk of aggressive behavior and for ensuring adequate supervision and appropriate room assignment are provided based on their history and current status.
- Train staff about the risk for aggressive behavior by any resident and their responsibility to monitor and note changes or patterns of behavior that may indicate increasing aggression. Also train staff on behavioral health protocols and the importance of reporting distressing behaviors immediately to a supervisor. Teach the reporting process, including how to access the Hotline if anonymous reporting is preferred. Document that these trainings occurred and file the signed documents in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit the risk assessments of residents with histories of aggressive behaviors to determine if they are being monitored and if changes are being noted on their care plans. Also audit to ensure that all staff are knowledgeable of behaviors that should be reported immediately to a supervisor, and the process for reporting.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
