Failure to Timely Provide Hearing Aids and Communication Support
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a resident's hearing at the highest attainable level and did not obtain hearing aids in a timely manner for a resident with severe hearing loss. The resident, who had diagnoses including type 2 diabetes and hypertensive heart disease, was documented as having moderately impaired hearing and was eligible for hearing aids under Medi-Cal. Despite an audiology consult and a care plan that included interventions for hearing impairment, the resident's hearing aids were not functioning properly, and the facility did not provide alternative communication tools such as a communication board or pen. The resident reported not having spoken to the social worker about hearing aid issues or follow-up appointments for months and expressed frustration over the inability to watch TV and difficulty communicating with staff. Observations and interviews revealed that staff were unaware of the resident's hearing aid problems and had not implemented care plan interventions to support communication. The social services staff acknowledged the lack of communication tools and the importance of effective communication for resident care. Facility policies required staff to report hearing aid complaints and assist residents in maintaining effective communication, but these procedures were not followed, resulting in the resident experiencing anger, communication barriers, and reduced ability to engage in daily activities.