The California Department of Public Health has fined the Goldstar Rehabilitation and Nursing Center $100,000 for the inadequate nursing care that led to a patient's death. The resident, age 60, choked on his food while eating dinner. The Santa Monica nursing home has been given an "AA citation," which is the most severe citation a long-term care facility can receive in California.
Unfortunately, choking accidents are not an uncommon occurrence at assisted living facilities, where some patients may have problems swallowing or chewing or taking in solid foods. This is why it is important that nursing home workers make sure that each patient is given the food specified under his/her care plan. In some cases, this means making sure that meat has been cut into tiny pieces or, when warranted, liquefied. In the event that a resident gets sick, sustains a brain injury, or dies from a choking accident that could have been prevented, the victim and his/her family may have grounds for a Los Angeles nursing home neglect case.
Healthcare officials say that the Santa Monica nursing home did not give the man the soft diet that a doctor had prescribed. As a result, the patient choked on a piece of meat and lost consciousness for at least 10 minutes.
Goldstar Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has been cited for serious violations in the past. Also, since March 2004, it has received 150 complaints. 55 of them, alleging inadequate care, nursing neglect, nursing home abuse, and other wrongdoings, have been substantiated.
Nursing Home's Citation Follows Long List of Complaints, Penalties, Santa Monica Patch, February 18, 2011
Nursing home is fined after patients dies after choking, Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2011
Related Web Resources:
California Department of Public Health
Goldstar Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
More California Injury Lawyers Blog Posts:
Sexual Abuse Took Place at Hawthorne, California Nursing Home, Says Ex-Employee, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 27, 2011
California Nursing Homes Must Post Federal Ratings in 2011, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 31, 2011
Los Angeles Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuit Blames Woodland Hills Facility for Actor Gene Barry's Wrongful Death, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 3, 2011
Contact our Los Angeles nursing home abuse and neglect law firm today.
