Resident Found with Prohibited Chemicals and Aerosols in Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was free from accident hazards by allowing access to harmful chemicals and aerosols. During observations, a resident with moderate cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 11 and diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, was found in possession of cleaning agents and aerosol cans in his room. The resident was observed with a bottle of cleaning agent and later revealed that he kept multiple cleaning products and aerosol cans in his dresser drawer. Staff interviews confirmed that residents are not permitted to have cleaning chemicals or aerosols in their rooms under facility policy. Both LPNs and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that these items were present in the resident's possession and confirmed that such items are prohibited. The facility did not have a written policy for accidents and hazards available upon request. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, resident interview, and staff confirmation.