In recent news on Long Island, two heartbreaking incidents occurred at Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Woodbury, Nassau County, and Central Island Healthcare in Plainview, Suffolk County. Staff at both facilities misinterpreted “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders for two residents who stopped breathing, failing to provide potentially lifesaving care that ultimately led to their demise. These tragic cases highlight the importance of proper communication and record-keeping within nursing homes and raise concerns about the quality of care provided to our loved ones.
This blog post will delve into these incidents on Long Island, discuss the critical need for clear communication regarding DNR orders in nursing homes, offer advice for families to ensure their loved ones’ wishes are respected, and outline how Alonso Krangle, LLP can help you protect your family member’s rights and pursue justice.
The Cold Spring Hills and Central Island Incidents
At both Cold Spring Hills (Nassau County) and Central Island (Suffolk County), nurses mistakenly believed that residents who had stopped breathing had DNR orders in place due to administrative confusion surrounding wristbands they were wearing. In reality, neither resident had a DNR order. The failure to perform CPR contributed to both residents’ deaths.
These devastating incidents underscore the need for proper systems in place to ensure residents’ wishes regarding lifesaving care are clearly communicated and respected. Nursing home staff must be trained to understand the importance of DNR orders and the potential consequences of misinterpreting or failing to follow them.
The Importance of Clear Communication and Record-Keeping in Nursing Homes
Effective communication and accurate record-keeping are vital in nursing homes, particularly when it comes to residents’ medical directives like DNR orders. Misinterpretation or confusion surrounding these directives can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in the Cold Spring Hills and Central Island cases.
To prevent such incidents, nursing homes should implement clear processes for documenting residents’ medical directives, including DNR orders. This may include standardized forms, color-coded wristbands, electronic medical records, etc., ensuring that staff can quickly and accurately determine a resident’s preferences.
Families can play a critical role in ensuring their loved ones’ wishes are respected by discussing their preferences with nursing home staff, reviewing medical records for accuracy, and following up on any concerns.
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable: The Role of Alonso Krangle, LLP
When nursing homes fail in their duty to provide quality care to residents or respect their healthcare choices as demonstrated through misinterpreted DNR orders, families have the right to pursue legal action. At Alonso Krangle, LLP, we understand the complex emotions involved when seeking justice for your loved one who has suffered due to nursing home negligence.
Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the process while fighting tirelessly for your family’s rights. We serve clients across Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island and have an established track record of success representing families against negligent nursing homes.
Contact Alonso Krangle LLP Today
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of negligence at a Long Island nursing home like Cold Spring Hills (Woodbury) or Central Island (Plainview), don’t hesitate to reach out to Alonso Krangle, LLP for assistance. By working together, we can hold the nursing home accountable and ensure that your family member’s rights and wishes are protected.
Contact us today at (800) 403-6191 to discuss your case and take the first step towards pursuing justice for your loved one in Nassau County or Suffolk County on Long Island.