Failure to Provide TV Remotes for Newly Admitted Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a homelike environment for newly admitted residents by not ensuring access to functioning television remotes, which impacted two of three residents reviewed for accommodation of needs. One resident, who had dementia and atrial fibrillation, was admitted with a TV remote that lacked batteries. The resident's family reported that the remote frequently went missing during the stay, and on the morning the resident fell, he had been asking about his TV and was believed to be attempting to turn it on when he got out of bed and fell. Staff interviews indicated that the responsibility for ensuring rooms were set up with working equipment and supplies was shared among the Admissions Coordinator, CNAs, and maintenance staff. Another resident, diagnosed with lung cancer, emphysema, heart failure, osteoporosis, anxiety, and depression, reported being without a TV remote for three days after admission. The resident, who was unable to walk or stand, stated she could not turn on her TV and spent the weekend staring at the walls. She reported her need for a remote to nursing staff, who informed her she would have to wait until maintenance was available. The resident's care plan included watching TV as a preferred self-directed activity, but this was not accommodated due to the lack of a remote.