Deficiencies in Resident Safety, Smoking Policy, and Facility Cleanliness
Summary
The facility failed to ensure safe wheelchair transport techniques for a resident with multiple diagnoses, including Parkinson's disease, dementia, and PTSD. During an observation, a CNA was seen pushing the resident in a wheelchair and then letting go of the handles, causing the wheelchair to move forward without control. This action risked the resident's safety, as the wheelchair nearly collided with a door frame. The resident's care plan highlighted the need for trauma-informed care and monitoring for safety due to their conditions and medication use, which increase the risk of falls and confusion. The CNA admitted to being preoccupied and in a rush, which led to the lapse in safety protocol. The facility also failed to properly manage smoking materials, as a resident was observed with a cigarette in their mouth inside the facility, contrary to the smoking policy. The policy mandates that all smoking materials be kept in a secure location and that residents should not have access to them. The resident, who has moderate cognitive impairment, was not identified as a current tobacco user in their care plan, and staff were unaware of how the resident obtained the cigarette. The DON and Administrator acknowledged the issue but were uncertain about the procedure for storing cigarettes between smoke breaks. Additionally, the facility did not maintain a clean and sanitary environment in the women's secure unit shower room, which was found to have standing water, mold, rust, and clutter. Housekeeping staff were assigned to clean the area daily, but the issues were not reported or addressed. The maintenance department was also found to be lacking in communication and follow-up on repairs, as evidenced by broken tiles in a resident's room that had not been fixed. Furthermore, the facility was short on fitted sheets, leading to residents using flat sheets and blankets on their beds, which compromised their comfort and hygiene.
Penalty
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