On October 28, 2009, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) fined Fairview Nursing Plaza (a large, 213 bed “skilled and intermediate care facility” located in Rockford, IL) $10,000 for fourth quarter nursing home violations.  These violations included Nursing Home Care Act violations involving improper and inaccurate documentation of diabetes treatment and monitoring, and failure to immediately arrange for ambulance transport for a diabetic resident suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. 

Also in October 2009, IDPH fined Fairview $10,000 for violating the Nursing Home Care Act (for a Type “A” Violation relating to the area of nursing).  A survey conducted on September 28, 2009 revealed that documentation for insulin dependent diabetics was not always complete and accurate.  This finding was confirmed by the facility’s own Director of Nursing.  The facility failed to properly and accurately document blood glucose levels and scheduled doses of insulin for insulin dependent diabetics residing in the facility. 

Diabetes (Type 1) can be a difficult disease to manage.  It requires careful screening of blood sugar levels, proper nutrition, and insulin shots.  There are many diabetes related complications, and the best way to reduce the risk of complications is to keep blood sugar level close to normal most of the time.  Fairview’s failure to properly document blood sugar levels and treatments put all of its diabetic residents at increased risk of diabetes complications. 

The nursing home failed to immediately arrange ambulance transport services for one diabetic resident with sustained elevated blood glucose levels, resulting in him suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (too little insulin in your body).  The nurse reported that she checked the resident’s blood glucose levels hourly between 7:45 - 11:30 AM. 

Despite “HI blood glucose results” (> 525 mg/dl), the nurse did not notify a doctor sooner because she thought he was ok, even though the resident was showing signs of confusion, limp limbs, and being unstable sitting in a chair.  (see “Diabetic Ketoacidosis is an Under-Appreciated Danger Facing Many Nursing Home Patients”)  The nursing home’s failures directly endangered the life of this resident, and also call into question whether the nursing staff was properly monitoring other diabetic residents. 

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a very serious complication of diabetes.  Because sugar can no longer enter cells to provide energy, your blood sugar rises, and your body breaks down fat for energy.  This produces ketones, which are toxic, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.  Symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, and confusion. 

Fairview has a history of higher than average Health Deficiencies.  The Medicare Nursing Home Compare gave Fairview Nursing Plaza an overall rating of one out of five stars, which is much below average rating.  Health Inspections rating was one star (20 Health Deficiencies between 12/1/08 – 2/28/10.  Nursing Home Staffing rating was also only one star.  Quality Measures rating was four stars.  Between 12/1/07 and 11/30/08, the facility received 19 Health Deficiencies. 

The recent health violations at Fairview call into question whether the facility’s residents, especially its diabetic residents, are receiving proper care and treatment.  Diabetes is only one common condition affecting older nursing home residents.  Many common diseases and conditions require close supervision and monitoring to prevent dangerous complications and ensure proper medical care. 

SIR Management Inc.

Fairview Plaza Nursing Center is a facility operated under the control of S.I.R. Management, Inc. S.I.R. Management is a health care consulting company located in Lincolnwood, Illinois, which consults to several Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes) in the Chicagoland area, including:

• Columbus Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Elmwood Care
• Maplewood Care
• Neighbors Rehabilitation Center
• Regency
• Albany Care
• Greenwood Care
• Decatur Manor
• Rock Island Nursing & Rehabilitation
• Wilson Care
• Bryn Mawr Care

Sources:

Fairview Plaza Nursing Center

Medicare: Nursing Home Compare – Fairview Nursing Home

Illinois Department of Public Health: Fairview Nursing Home

IDPH: Fairview Nursing Home – 4^th Quarter Violations

Mayo Clinic: Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Nursing Home Abuse Blog: Diabetic Ketoacidosis is an Under-Appreciated Danger Facing Many Nursing Home Patients