Failure to Provide Proper Lower Extremity Support in Geri Chair
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, and major depressive disorder, who was severely cognitively impaired and required extensive two-person assistance with most activities of daily living, was repeatedly observed seated in a geri chair without proper support for her lower extremities. The resident's care plan indicated a need for monitoring due to a history of neck surgery with residual stiffness and specified that a geri chair may be used as needed for her condition. Multiple observations over several days showed the resident in the day area with her feet dangling and unsupported while in the geri chair. These observations were confirmed by both a LPN/Clinical Manager and the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged that the resident's legs and feet should have been supported when she was in the chair. The facility failed to provide care in accordance with professional standards of practice and the resident's person-centered care plan.