Delay in Repair of Malfunctioning Bed Results in Resident Discomfort
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for a resident when the footrest on the electric bed remained in an elevated position and the bed remote was not working. The issue was first reported by a CNA through the facility's electronic work order system, but the bed was not repaired until several days later. During this period, the resident continued to use the malfunctioning bed, which was observed to be in an elevated position under the resident's lower legs and feet. The resident involved was an older male with significant medical conditions, including atherosclerotic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic venous hypertension with a leg ulcer, chronic kidney disease, and hemiplegia. He was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including bed mobility and transfers, and was incontinent of bowel and bladder. The resident's care plan indicated impaired physical functioning and dependence on staff for bed mobility. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the malfunction was reported in the maintenance system, and the expectation was that essential resident equipment would be repaired the same day. However, the bed was not fixed until several days after the initial report. The facility's policy required immediate correction of such issues, but the delay resulted in the resident experiencing discomfort due to the malfunctioning bed.