Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity Due to Stand Lift Battery Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promote and maintain resident dignity for two residents who were dependent on staff and mechanical lifts for transfers and toileting. Both residents had intact cognition and required assistance for mobility and toileting due to medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The deficiency was primarily related to ongoing issues with the batteries of stand lifts, which frequently failed to hold a charge, resulting in significant delays and discomfort for the residents during transfer and toileting activities. One resident experienced a delay of approximately 30 minutes after activating her call light to request toileting assistance. Staff attempted to use a stand lift, but the battery died during the process. After replacing the battery with another that also failed, staff had to retrieve a different lift from another part of the building. During this time, the resident remained in her wheelchair, and when finally transferred, her adult brief was saturated and drooping, indicating she had been left in soiled clothing while waiting. Staff confirmed that battery issues with the lifts had been an ongoing problem for months, causing frustration for both residents and staff. Another resident reported being left in a standing position on the lift when the battery died mid-transfer, requiring staff to leave her in that position while they retrieved a replacement battery. She described feeling uncomfortable and undignified during these episodes, which she stated occurred frequently. Facility leadership acknowledged awareness of the battery and charging issues, and resident council minutes also documented that a lift was out of commission. The facility's own dignity policy emphasized the importance of timely and respectful care, including toileting assistance and privacy, which was not upheld in these instances.