Inadequate Supervision and Accident Prevention for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate supervision and a hazard-free environment for two residents, leading to deficiencies in accident prevention. Resident #183, diagnosed with non-Alzheimer's dementia and other conditions, was observed wandering unsupervised into other residents' rooms and attempting to open exit doors. Despite having a care plan that included visual checks and engagement in activities, Resident #183 was frequently unsupervised, leading to potential safety risks. Staff interviews revealed challenges in managing the resident's wandering behavior due to their advanced dementia and limited staff availability. Resident #242, diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, experienced multiple falls over a period of time. The care plan initially required staff assistance for ambulation due to gait and balance issues. However, observations showed the resident ambulating unassisted, and there was no documentation indicating the discontinuation of the assistance requirement. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity and communication regarding the resident's need for assistance, contributing to the resident's falls. The deficiencies highlight the facility's failure to provide adequate supervision and maintain a safe environment for residents at risk of accidents. The lack of consistent staff intervention and documentation regarding care plan changes contributed to the residents' exposure to potential hazards and accidents.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved March 21, 2025 **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** F 689 Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices I: The Following Actions were accomplished for the residents identified in the Sample: - Resident #27 and Resident #151 were provided with a mesh stop sign on the door to prevent Resident #183 from wandering in the rooms on (MONTH) 18, 2025. - Resident #183 background interest and past occupation were reviewed by IDT and revised care plan intervention to simulate her past profession as a housekeeper. - Resident #242 was re-evaluated on (MONTH) 18, 2025, by rehab and continues to demonstrate the ability to safely perform independent bed mobility, functional transfers, and ambulation to desired locations within the unit with chorea movements. This gait pattern is consistent with long-term effects of [MEDICAL CONDITION]’s disease. II: The following corrective actions will be implemented to identify other residents who may be affected by the same practice: - All residents have the potential to be affected by this deficient practice. - All Unit Managers/Designee will review facility’s wanderguard list to identify residents who exhibit intrusive wandering behavior in their assigned unit(s) and will update resident’s care plan for appropriate interventions. - All residents diagnosed with [REDACTED]. This assessment will focus on any fluctuations in their gait beyond their baseline chorea movements. Based on the findings, their care plans will be updated to implement appropriate interventions. III: The following systemic changes will be implemented to ensure new interventions are added to the interdisciplinary care plans for continued compliance with regulations: - All licensed nurses in the facility will be re-inserviced on the facility’s Elopement Risk Assessment and Procedure Policy as it relates to the assessment of Elopement risk and initiation of Resident specific interventions such as monitoring of residents for their safety. - The Staff Development Nurse will be responsible for re-inservicing all other Licensed Nurses on the facility’s Elopement Risk Assessment and Procedure Policy. - The Staff Development Nurse will provide an inservice education to all licensed nurses, highlighting the importance of promptly notifying the rehabilitation department about any residents diagnosed with [REDACTED]. This in-service education aims to ensure early identification of ambulation fluctuation and prompt implementation of intervention. - The Director of Nursing and Administrator reviewed the facility’s Elopement Risk Assessment and Procedure Policy and the Wander Alert System Operation. No revision is necessary. IV: The facility’s corrective action will be monitored to ensure the deficient practice does not recur by utilizing the following Quality Assurance practices: - The Director of Nursing/Designee will develop an audit tool entitled, “Identification of Intrusive Wandering Behavior.” The audit tool will be utilized to identify residents exhibiting intrusive wandering behavior. It will also assess the immediate interventions implemented by staff and ensure that the plan of care is updated accordingly to address these behaviors effectively. The audits will be conducted weekly for 3 months. - The Director of Rehab/Designee will develop an audit tool entitled “[MEDICAL CONDITION]’s Disease – Ambulation Fluctuations.” This audit tool will be utilized to identify residents who experience falls during ambulation in the HD unit, specifically focusing on fluctuations in their gait that are not attributable to their baseline chorea movements. This approach will effectively recognize and implement appropriate interventions tailored to enhance safety and mobility. The audits will be done weekly for 3 months. - A quantitative summary of findings and corrective actions will be reported monthly to the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee by the Director of Nursing and Director of Rehab. Responsible Person: The Administrator is responsible for ensuring all the above is completed.