Failure to Arrange Timely Vision Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure a resident received proper treatment, services, and assistive devices to maintain optimal visual abilities. The resident repeatedly reported difficulty seeing, even with the glasses provided, and expressed frustration over not being able to see the eye doctor despite multiple requests. Observations confirmed the resident's ongoing struggle to watch television and read, and interviews with staff revealed that no eye appointment had been scheduled, even though the need was documented in progress notes and communicated among staff. The resident's only available glasses were simple readers brought in by a family member, and his magnifying glass was broken and awaiting replacement by his sister. Documentation showed that a referral for an eye exam was made by the provider, and staff were aware of the resident's visual difficulties, but there was no evidence that an appointment was scheduled or transportation arranged. The facility's policy required staff to refer identified needs for vision services to social services, who were then responsible for making appointments and arranging transportation. Despite these requirements and ongoing monitoring, the resident did not receive timely access to necessary vision services.