The Connecticut Department of Public Health collectively issued $28,440 in fines to four nursing homes for violations resulting in patient harm, according to the Connecticut Post.
Here is a breakdown of the penalties:
1. New Milford, Conn.-based Village Crest Center for Health and Rehabilitation received a $10,000 fine.
In June, two residents were found wandering outside, according to state officials. Less than two weeks later, six residents — with diagnoses including dementia, Parkinson's disease, a psychotic disorder and anxiety — weren't wearing identification bracelets, including the two residents who left the facility previously.
2. Watertown (Conn.) Convalarium was fined $9,260.
A resident who required two staff members and a lift to get out of bed, and was at risk for developing pressure ulcers, did not leave the bed for three days in fall 2018, according to the public health department. Staff said the resident wasn't moved due to significant contractures in both legs.
In November 2018, an inspector saw a licensed practical nurse perform a blood glucose test and then clean the glucometer with an isopropyl alcohol wipe instead of a Super Sani-Cloth germicidal disposable wipe. The LPN had been properly trained on how to clean glucometers and was retrained after the event.
3. Middlebury (Conn.) Convalescent Home incurred a $6,120 fine.
A resident identified as a fall risk was found on the floor beside the bed in April. The resident wasn't injured but staff were told to add non-skid strips to the floor, according to the health department. The staff did not apply the strips, citing a lack of materials, and the resident fell two more times, suffering a head laceration that required 10 staples.
The facility called the situation "an anomaly not to be repeated," according to a statement cited by the Connecticut Post.
4. Grove Manor Nursing Home in Waterbury, Conn., was fined $3,060.
In April, two nurse aides were transferring a resident from a bed to a wheelchair with a Hoyer lift when the resident's leg got caught behind one of the wheelchair's leg rests. The resident suffered a right leg fracture.
Investigators said the facility's lift transfer policy didn't include removing wheelchair leg rests prior to transfers, which it should have, according to the public health department.
Village Crest, Watertown Convalarium and Grove Manor did not respond to the Connecticut Post's calls for comment.