Failure to Timely Replace Lost Resident Belongings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents' personal belongings were replaced in a timely manner after being reported lost. One resident reported a missing watch that had been gone since December and had informed the social worker, who stated the facility would replace it. Despite this, the watch was not replaced, and the resident expressed upset over the delay. The resident's records confirmed the watch was listed among personal belongings at admission, and the resident was assessed as cognitively intact. Interviews with staff, including the Acting Activities Director and Administrator, confirmed the facility's policy to replace missing items within seven days, but this was not followed in the resident's case. Another resident reported a missing grey sweatshirt, which had sentimental value as it was a gift from her daughter. The resident stated she reported the missing item to housekeeping about a month prior, but it had not been replaced. Laundry staff indicated that, in the absence of social services staff, missing clothing items are now reported to their supervisor. The facility's policy states that reasonable care should be exercised to protect residents' property from loss or theft, but this was not adhered to in these instances.