Failure to Ensure Wheelchair Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the accessibility of a wheelchair for a resident who was totally dependent on staff and a mechanical lift for transfers. The resident, who had diagnoses including osteomyelitis, cerebral infarction, and diabetes mellitus, was cognitively intact and previously used a wheelchair to attend group activities. After returning from a hospital stay, the resident reported not having access to his wheelchair and had not attended out-of-room activities since his return. Multiple observations confirmed that the wheelchair was not present in the resident's room or bathroom over several days. Interviews with nursing assistants revealed that none of them had asked the resident if he wanted to get out of bed, and they were unaware that the wheelchair was missing from the room. The resident's wheelchair was eventually found in a storage room, labeled with his name, after the issue was brought to the attention of the Interim Rehabilitation Director. The lack of staff awareness and failure to ensure the resident's wheelchair was accessible resulted in the resident not being reasonably accommodated for his needs and preferences.