Inadequate Supervision and Assessment for Wandering Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents for two residents with dementia and wandering behavior. Both residents were not accurately assessed and care planned for wandering or elopement, leading to their elopement through the front door of the facility. The facility's Elopement Risk Assessment policy required completion of an assessment within 24 hours of admission or when new wandering behavior was identified, but this was not consistently performed. Additionally, the facility's Wanderguard Departure Alert System policy required evaluation of residents with independent mobility and restless behavior for wander guard candidacy, but this was not adequately documented or implemented. Resident #1, who had Alzheimer's and was severely cognitively impaired, exhibited wandering behavior on multiple occasions, yet there was no specific care plan for wandering or elopement risk. The resident was able to self-propel in a wheelchair and frequently ambulated, but this was not reflected in the care plan or Kardex. Despite documented wandering behavior, the resident's care plan lacked interventions for wandering or elopement risk. The resident eloped when the receptionist allowed them to sign out, assuming they were with visitors, highlighting a failure in monitoring and assessment. Resident #4, also severely cognitively impaired, frequently walked and wandered aimlessly, yet their care plan did not address potential wandering or elopement risks. The resident was able to walk with supervision and use a wheelchair, but specific interventions for wandering or elopement were not initiated. The resident eloped by pushing on the front entrance door, activating the alarm, and was later found outside. The facility's investigation did not identify the incomplete care plan or lack of safety interventions, and staff interviews revealed inconsistencies in performing wandering/elopement assessments and a lack of a scoring system to determine risk levels.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 24, 2025 **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Corrective Action: Following the elopement of Resident #1, the resident was issued a wander guard, with no further attempts to elope. Resident #1 wander guard was removed on 6/17/2024 after a nursing elopement eval was conducted and it was determined the resident no longer was a wander risk due to a change in condition. The resident discharged on [DATE]. Following the elopement involving Resident #4, the resident was issued a wander guard. A comprehensive review of the Nursing Elopement Evaluations was conducted during a full house audit on 4/24/24. The audit revealed that the evaluations were not providing a risk factor score, which led to an immediate correction that same day. Consequently, all residents underwent new evaluations to assess and mitigate potential risk factors. Review of the affected resident was completed on 4/24/24. An individualized care plan that specifically addresses their wandering tendencies, including strategies for preventing elopement, safety supervision protocols, and personalized interventions that consider their medical and psychosocial needs were completed. A mandatory in-service for all staff members will be completed by 2/25/25 by the In-service Coordinator discussing the precautions and interventions to follow to prevent a resident from eloping. In addition, it also discusses the process for how to respond if a resident elopes. The Director of Maintenance will conduct a thorough review of the facility’s physical environment to identify and secure potential exit points, such as doors and windows by 1/24/25. A communication protocol will be established to ensure that any changes to residents' behavior, care plans, or assessments are communicated to all relevant staff members. Identify Other Residents: A facility-wide review to identify any other residents who may exhibit wandering behavior or are at risk for elopement will be completed within one month and will involve evaluating each resident's history, cognitive status, and any behavioral indicators. Existing care plans for all residents at high risk for wandering or elopement will be reviewed to ensure they include suitable strategies to manage their behaviors safely. Systemic Changes: Following the elopement on 4/21/2024 the facility updated the nursing elopement evaluation to include a risk factor score. The Missing Residents/Door Alarms/WanderGuard System policy and procedures were revised to include procedures to follow. These policies include clear guidelines for assessment, care planning, monitoring, and intervention. Monitor Corrective Actions: A random sample of 10 residents, with 5 from each floor, along with all new admissions, will be audited on a weekly basis for a duration of 4 weeks using the Resident Review Audit Tool (see attached). Following this, a random sample of 5 residents, plus all new admissions, will be audited weekly for another 4 weeks. The audit will review the elopement evaluations done at admission or quarterly, including the scores, identified risks, and the suitability of the care plans and interventions. The Administrator/QA Director is responsible for compliance. The results will be reviewed in the Quality Assurance meeting monthly. The QA committee will identify trends or patterns and make recommendations to revise the plan of correction as indicated.