F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
E

Failure to Prevent Resident-to-Resident Altercations

Embassy Of Hillsdale ParkHillsdale, Pennsylvania Survey Completed on 04-11-2024

Summary

The facility failed to ensure that the residents' environment remained free of accident hazards caused by residents with aggressive behaviors. Resident 14, who had a diagnosis of dementia and a history of abusive behavior, was involved in multiple incidents of aggression towards other residents. On December 25, 2023, Resident 14 threatened and physically attacked Resident 58. On January 5, 2024, Resident 14 made verbal threats during breakfast, and on March 20, 2024, Resident 14 slapped Resident 63 in the hallway. Despite these incidents, there was no documented evidence that the facility analyzed the triggers and circumstances leading to these altercations. Resident 117, diagnosed with dementia and schizophrenia, also exhibited aggressive behaviors. On July 16, 2023, Resident 117 hit Resident 44, and on September 8, 2023, Resident 117 kicked Resident 58, causing her to fall, and later punched Resident 44. The social worker attempted to manage Resident 117 by taking him to his office, but the resident left unsupervised when the social worker answered a phone call. The facility did not document any analysis of the incidents to identify key times, places, or triggers for Resident 117's aggressive behavior. Resident 58, who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and a potential for physical aggression, was also involved in altercations. On March 19, 2024, Resident 58 hit Resident 61 twice. The facility did not provide evidence of analyzing these incidents to prevent future occurrences. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the incidents and acknowledged that proper supervision was not maintained, particularly in the case of Resident 117 when the social worker left him unattended.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0689 citations
Unsafe Cord Placement and Failure to Follow Fall Interventions
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

Unsafe Cord Placement and Failure to Follow Fall Interventions: A resident with cognitive impairment and wheelchair use had a TV power cord stretched tightly across the closet doorway, blocking access and creating an environmental hazard when staff had to lift the cord to open the closet. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment and a fall-risk care plan repeatedly ran barefoot in the hallway while staff observed but did not consistently provide planned interventions such as gripper socks, footwear, ambulation assistance, or redirection.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Follow Fall Prevention Care Plan
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

A resident with impaired cognition, cancer, non-Alzheimer's dementia, extensive ADL needs, and a fall history was identified as a high fall risk with care plan interventions including removing a movable bedside table. After a fall, the resident was found using the table as a walker, yet observations showed the table still placed beside the bed on multiple occasions, including when staff were present. Staff interviews confirmed they were unaware of the current fall prevention interventions and that the table remained at bedside for meals despite the care plan.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to complete restraint assessment before wheelchair alarm use
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

Failure to complete a restraint assessment before using a wheelchair alarm for a resident with muscle weakness, difficulty walking, repeated falls, and dementia. The care plan included the alarm as an intervention, but the record lacked an initial Restraint Evaluation, and the CNO confirmed the assessment had not been completed before the alarm was placed.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Inadequate Supervision During EZ Stand Transfers
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

A resident with cognitive deficits, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, fracture, and repeated falls was dependent for toileting and care planned for an EZ stand with 2-person assist. During observed transfers, staff placed the harness and straps correctly, but the resident only rose to about 135 degrees and never came to a full stand, while staff remained by the bathroom door during privacy periods and continued the transfer despite the resident not standing fully. An RN stated the resident was expected to stand straight up with the EZ stand and that staff should sit the resident back down and try again if not.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Resident Left Unsupervised and Was Found Wandering in Parking Lot
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

A resident with Alzheimer's disease and dementia was found wandering in the parking lot after leaving the building unsupervised. A family member visiting another resident saw her looking into car windows and alerted staff, who were not aware she had exited until the report. Staff interviews showed the resident had been seen earlier eating in the dining room, but no one was actively looking for her or knew she had left the facility.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Respond to Help Requests and Use Foot Pedals During Wheelchair Transport
D
F0689 F689: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Short Summary

A resident with parkinsonism and Alzheimer's disease, severe cognitive impairment, and a fall history was pushed in her wheelchair without foot pedals and was not assisted when she called out for help. Nursing notes and staff interviews showed a CNA propelled the resident multiple times without foot pedals, including one instance where her socked foot hit the floor, and staff acknowledged that foot pedals should be used when pushing a resident.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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