Failure to Ensure Accessible Water for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that water was accessible to a resident who required assistance with activities of daily living and was at risk for falls and dehydration. On two separate occasions, the resident was observed in bed without water within reach; once, the water cup was on a dresser out of reach, and another time, the water cup was missing entirely. The resident reported being unable to reach the water and expressed concern about falling if attempting to get it, and later stated that someone had removed the water cup. The resident's medical record indicated diagnoses of cerebral palsy and difficulty walking, with a care plan identifying risks for falls and dehydration. The DON confirmed that fresh water should be available to residents, and the facility was unable to provide a policy regarding water provision before the survey concluded.