Failure to Provide Medically-Related Social Services: Missing Mobility Aid at Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide medically-related social services to meet the needs of a resident by not ensuring the return or timely replacement of a missing rollator walker, a mobility aid necessary for safe ambulation. The resident, who had diagnoses including systemic lupus erythematosus, cerebral infarction, and difficulty walking, was admitted with a documented need for assistance with mobility and other activities of daily living. Upon discharge, the inventory list indicated the resident had a walker, but there was no documentation or signatures confirming the walker was returned to the resident. A review of records and interviews with the Social Services Assistant confirmed that the resident was discharged without her rollator walker and that there was no documented follow-up to obtain or replace the missing equipment. The facility's policy required the provision of adaptive equipment to maintain or improve residents' physical and psychosocial needs, but this was not followed in this case.