Valley View Manor Nursing Home received 27 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on September 5, 2022. The Norwich nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of 5 inspections by state surveyors. The violations they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not provide adequate care to residents with pressure ulcers. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to provide residents without pressure ulcers necessary care to prevent pressure ulcers from developing unless unavoidable, and to provide residents with pressure ulcers the necessary care to promote healing, prevent infection, and prevent the development of new ulcers. A February 2022 citation found that Valley View Manor Nursing Home failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically that the nursing home failed to complete treatments as ordered for a resident with a pressure ulcer on their gluteal fold. In an interview, the facility’s Assistant Director of Nursing said that “the resident refused care frequently” and that “residents could not be forced if they refused treatments,” adding that employees “should make multiple attempts to provide treatments as ordered.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of nursing staff regarding the treatment of pressure ulcers.
2. The nursing home did not properly implement infection control measures. Under Section 483.80 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must create and maintain infection prevention and control programs “to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.” A February 2022 citation found that Valley View Manor Nursing Home failed to ensure such. The citation states specifically three staff members failed to perform appropriate hand hygiene while providing treatment for a resident’s wound. It states further that several staffers “were observed wearing face masks below their nose while in residential areas and in proximity (less than 6 feet) to residents.” In an interview, one of the staff members acknowledged that employees “were supposed to wear a mask at all times while in the facility,” claiming that their own “fell down a lot and it would not stay up.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of staff and residents regarding mask-wearing and hand hygiene.
3. The nursing home did not provide an adequately safe and comfortable environment. Under Section 483.10 of the Federal Code, nursing home residents have the right “to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.” A February 2022 citation found that Valley View Manor Nursing Home failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes findings that the hot water in six bathroom sinks, as well as one shower room, was hotter than the maximum temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit allowed for by the facility’s policies. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the updating of its Hot Water Policy and Procedure to provide for staff education regarding temperature calibration.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC work diligently to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Please contact us to discuss in the event you have a potential case involving neglect or abuse.
