Failure to Develop and Implement Person-Centered Fall Prevention Care Plans
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered care plans to prevent falls for two residents with significant cognitive and functional impairments. For one resident with dementia, epilepsy, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking, staff were aware of a decline in functional status and poor safety awareness, yet did not update the care plan to specify the required level of supervision for safe ambulation. Despite multiple falls and a recent injury requiring emergency department care, interventions remained generic, such as encouraging use of the call light and bed rest, which were not appropriate for a resident with severe cognitive impairment. Staff interviews confirmed that the care plan did not reflect the resident's current needs or address the specific risks associated with his condition. Another resident with severe cognitive impairment, encephalopathy, cerebral infarction, and a history of repeated falls also lacked an effective, individualized fall prevention plan. The care plan interventions focused on increased monitoring and keeping the resident in visual areas, but did not address the fact that her falls occurred while she was in bed unsupervised. Staff acknowledged that the interventions were not person-centered and did not specify the frequency or type of supervision needed to prevent falls in bed. The care plan was not updated to reflect the actual circumstances of the resident's falls, and interventions were not tailored to her specific risks. Facility policies required comprehensive, person-centered care plans with measurable objectives and individualized interventions based on ongoing assessments and changes in resident condition. However, the care plans for both residents were not revised to address their changing needs, did not include effective or specific interventions, and failed to prevent repeated falls and injuries. Staff and leadership interviews confirmed that the care plans were not accurate, not updated, and not effective in addressing the residents' fall risks.
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