Cluttered Hallway Creates Accident Hazard for Resident with Mobility Impairment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards for one of three sampled residents. During observations, the hallway was found to be cluttered with linen carts, dirty linen hampers, trash hampers, and shower chairs placed on both sides, creating obstacles. A resident with diabetes mellitus, muscle weakness, and mobility issues, who was cognitively intact and independent in activities of daily living, reported difficulty self-propelling his wheelchair due to the clutter. Multiple staff members, including an LVN, infection preventionist, registered nurse supervisor, and director of nursing, acknowledged that the hallway was crowded and that items should be placed on one side to allow safe passage. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of keeping the environment as free from hazards as possible, but observations and staff interviews confirmed that this was not being followed at the time of the survey.