Failure to Ensure Resident Access to Outdoor Areas per Preference
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were consistently afforded the opportunity to go outside according to their preferences, weather permitting, as required by resident rights regulations. Four residents with varying diagnoses, including chronic respiratory failure, dementia, COPD, and non-traumatic brain dysfunction, were identified as valuing outdoor access as very important. Interviews and record reviews revealed that residents who could not sign themselves out or required supervision were only able to go outside if staff were available to accompany or monitor them. On weekends, when the receptionist and some activity staff were not present, these residents often could not go outside due to lack of supervision. Staff interviews confirmed that the ability for residents to go outside was dependent on staff availability, with some residents only able to go out during scheduled smoke breaks or when the receptionist was present to supervise. A facility list indicated which residents could sign themselves out and which required supervision, but those needing supervision were not always accommodated, especially on weekends. This practice affected at least 17 residents who could not go outside without supervision, limiting their ability to exercise their rights to a dignified existence and self-determination.