Failure to Activate Resident Alarm and Secure Hazardous Chemicals
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure a safe environment free from accident hazards by not activating a motion detector floor alarm for a resident with macular degeneration and a history of pain, who required supervision and assistance with transfers and ambulation. The resident's care plan specifically instructed staff to ensure the motion alarm was on whenever the resident was in his room. However, observations revealed the alarm was not activated while the resident was present, and staff confirmed the alarm should have been on according to the care plan. Additionally, chemicals including disinfectants, laundry bleach, lime scale remover, and detergent were found unsecured in an unlocked laundry room on the dementia unit. Labels on these chemicals indicated they could cause harm if ingested, inhaled, or if they came into contact with skin or eyes. Staff and consultants verified that these chemicals should have been stored in a locked room, as required by facility policy, to prevent resident access and minimize accident hazards.