Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Wheelchairs and Mobility Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain mechanical, electrical, and patient care equipment in safe operating condition, specifically regarding wheelchairs and a scooter used by five residents. Observations revealed that several wheelchairs were missing armrests or armrest padding, had cracked armrests, or had malfunctioning brakes. For example, one resident's wheelchair was missing the right armrest, another had both armrests missing, and a third had a cracked armrest. Additionally, one resident reported that the wheelchair brakes did not work properly, which was confirmed by demonstration. Another resident's electric scooter had a torn seat cushion. These deficiencies were confirmed through multiple observations by surveyors and interviews with facility staff, including LPNs and the DON. The residents affected had various medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, end stage renal disease, and diabetes. Some residents were cognitively intact, while others were cognitively impaired, and their levels of assistance required for activities of daily living varied. The deficiencies were identified over several days through direct observation and staff confirmation, indicating a lack of timely maintenance and repair of essential mobility equipment for these residents.