Edgerton Care Center Failed to Report Abuse Allegation - WI
EDGERTON, WI - Federal inspectors found that Edgerton Care Center, Inc. failed to immediately report an allegation of abuse involving a resident with dementia and did not adequately protect residents following a concerning incident in November 2024.
Late-Night Incident Raises Serious Safety Questions
The most serious violation identified during the March 31, 2025 inspection centered on events that occurred during the overnight shift on November 28, 2024. A resident with moderate cognitive impairment, identified as R46, was discovered with fresh blood on his right forearm around 1:45-2:00 AM. The 73-year-old resident, who had dementia and required extensive assistance with daily activities, called for help, prompting staff to find him bleeding.
According to documentation reviewed by inspectors, three staff members were working the overnight shift: one regular certified nursing assistant (CNA H), an agency-employed CNA (CNA F), and an agency-employed licensed practical nurse (LPN G). The incident report indicates that after CNA H found the bleeding resident, other staff members were asked to leave the room at the resident's request.
The resident's care plan specifically noted his history of combative behavior and resistance to care, documenting that he could become "verbally/physically aggressive towards staff." Medical records showed R46 had been diagnosed with dementia, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and had a history of hallucinations.
Critical Communication Failures in Emergency Response
The facility's response to this incident revealed significant gaps in their emergency reporting protocols. CNA H left a voicemail message for the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA A) at 1:54 AM but did not continue attempting to reach management. The administrator only learned of the incident hours later when the Director of Nursing called during shift change.
When questioned by inspectors, the administrator stated that staff should "immediately call" management when residents report abuse and there are visible injuries. She emphasized that staff must continue calling until they reach either the administrator or director of nursing, rather than simply leaving a voicemail message.
This communication delay represents a serious breach of resident protection protocols. When residents with cognitive impairment report concerning incidents accompanied by unexplained injuries, immediate management notification is essential for conducting proper investigations and ensuring resident safety.
Medical Risks Associated with Delayed Response
The failure to immediately investigate and report this incident poses significant medical and safety risks for nursing home residents. Individuals with dementia are particularly vulnerable because their cognitive impairment may make it difficult for them to accurately report incidents or protect themselves from potential harm.
Unexplained bleeding in residents with cognitive impairment requires immediate medical assessment to determine the cause and ensure proper wound care. Delayed response can lead to infection, inadequate pain management, and increased risk of additional incidents if safety issues are not promptly addressed.
The resident's documented history of combative behavior and resistance to care made proper incident investigation even more critical. Research shows that residents with behavioral symptoms related to dementia require specialized care approaches and continuous monitoring to prevent escalation of situations that could result in injury.