COVID-19 at Symphony of Joliet: Facility Reveals Employee is Possible Source of Huge Outbreak

Symphony of Joliet is a for-profit nursing home located at 306 N Larkin Ave. in Joliet, Illinois. They participate in both Medicaid and Medicare programs and have 214 beds. After learning the facility was facing one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Illinois, Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk called for a state investigation into Symphony of Joliet. Since then, officials at the facility have said they believe the virus may have been spread by a maintenance manager who assembled dining tables in as many as 40 patient rooms, unaware that he had already been infected with coronavirus. As of May 12th, 2020, Symphony of Joliet had 127 cases of COVID-19, 24 resident deaths, and 2 staff deaths (including the maintenance manager).

Medicare.gov gives Symphony of Joliet two out of five stars (below average) based on staffing levels and recent health inspections. Staffing levels are about average at the nursing home: residents receive care from a nursing aide for 1 hour and 56 minutes a day, compared to 2 hours and 18 minutes nationally, and care from a licensed nurse for 1 hour and 22 minutes a day versus a national average of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Medicare Health Inspections at Symphony of Joliet

In the last 3 years, Symphony of Joliet has received 12 complaints filed by residents or others that resulted in citations. Moreover, government health inspections found 20 health deficiencies at the facility in 2019; 7 deficiencies in 2018, and 12 in 2017. The2019 health inspection found that Symphony of Joliet failed to:

• Assist residents with performing activities of daily living if they are unable to do so independently.
• Provide appropriate treatment and care according to doctor’s orders, resident’s preferences, and health goals.
• Ensure that the facility provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents and is free from accident hazards.
• Provide appropriate care for residents who are incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
• Provide effective, safe respiratory care for a resident when needed.
• Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
• Provide residents with food and drink that is palatable and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
• Ensure each resident receives food prepared in a form designed to meet their individual needs.
• Obtain food from satisfactory and approved sources and store, prepare, distribute, and serve food following professional standards.
• Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Do You Have a COVID-19 Nursing Home Lawsuit?

If your loved one has been injured, acquired a serious infection, or has passed away from COVID-19 or another cause while living at Symphony of Joliet, and you believe that negligence or abuse is the cause, contact the Illinois nursing home attorneys at The Collins Law Firm for a FREE evaluation of your case. Fill out our contact form or call us at (630) 527-1595 today. Your loved one deserves better.

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For more information on nursing homes with COVID-19, please read our nursing home blog.