Failure to Repair Damaged Wheelchair Results in Prolonged Resident Discomfort
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to address and repair a resident's wheelchair that was in disrepair, resulting in the resident using an unsafe and uncomfortable wheelchair for approximately one month. Observations revealed that the bilateral vinyl armrests of the wheelchair were torn and tattered, and the resident reported discomfort from using it. Record review showed no documentation of repair or replacement for the wheelchair in the facility's Biomed system, which is used for tracking medical equipment repairs. Staff interviews confirmed that no work order had been submitted for the wheelchair, and the maintenance worker was not aware of the issue until the day prior to the surveyor's inquiry. The resident involved was cognitively intact, as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, and had a medical history including Type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy. Despite the facility's policy assigning responsibility for timely repair of medical equipment to the Biomedical-Clinical Services Department, the lack of communication and documentation resulted in the resident continuing to use the damaged wheelchair without intervention for an extended period.