New York nursing home facilities are required by law to ensure that the nursing home environment remains as free of accident hazards as is possible; and that each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents. During a February 15, 2010 New York State Dept. of Health complaint survey, Shoreview Nursing Home was fined $10,000.00 for failing to ensure the nursing home remained free of accident hazards. Tragically, a 90 year-old resident sustained a right forearm fracture after a free standing closet fell on her.
The facility’s undated Investigation Report documented that on 1/15/10 at approximately 5:15 PM, staff were distributing trays in the dining room when they heard a loud noise and the 90 year-old resident yelling for help. A Certified Nursing Assistant and a Licensed Practical Nurse responded to the room and saw the resident lying on the floor with the wardrobe closet on top of her. They lifted the wardrobe off the resident and called the Registered Nurse (RN) for assistance. The resident was complaining of