Failure to Timely Provide One-Arm-Drive Wheelchair Limits Resident Independence
Penalty
Summary
A male resident with a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, as well as bilateral amputation, was re-admitted for long-term care. The resident was cognitively intact and expressed a desire to participate in activities outside his room, but reported limited mobility as a barrier. On a specific date, he requested a one-arm-drive wheelchair to enable him to safely and independently perform activities of daily living, including grooming, dressing, and toileting. A physical therapy evaluation documented that the resident required a wheelchair for functional mobility and would achieve maximum independence with a one-arm-drive wheelchair. Despite the resident's request and the therapy recommendation, facility records showed that the request for the specialized wheelchair had not been addressed in a timely manner. The Social Services Coordinator confirmed that the facility was still waiting for an update from the supplier months after the initial request, and the DON acknowledged there was no documentation of timely follow-up. The facility's policy states that residents have the right to participate in social activities at their discretion, but the lack of timely action to accommodate the resident's mobility needs resulted in the deficiency.