Failure to Maintain Clean Wheelchairs for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide clean and sanitary wheelchairs for two residents, as evidenced by multiple observations over several days. One resident's wheelchair was repeatedly found with smeared dark and reddish-brown substances, as well as honey-colored streaks on the outer panels. Despite a cleaning schedule indicating that deep cleaning should occur every Wednesday night, the wheelchair remained visibly soiled during several observations. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent understanding of cleaning responsibilities, with some indicating that third shift CNAs were responsible for deep cleaning, while others stated it was the responsibility of all staff members. Another resident's wheelchair was observed to have a nickel-sized dark brown substance on the right arm pad, a buildup of food particles and stains on the left side of the seat, and additional unidentifiable streaks and crumbs on various parts of the wheelchair. These conditions persisted over several days, despite the facility's policy requiring durable medical equipment to be clean and in good repair. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the wheelchairs should have been cleaned according to the schedule, but the deficiencies remained unaddressed at the time of the observations.