Resident Physically Abused During Wheelchair Transfer by Floor Technician
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a resident from physical abuse when a floor technician aggressively pulled the resident's wheelchair, resulting in the resident falling out of the wheelchair and onto the ground. The resident, who was cognitively intact but had impairment to both lower extremities and used a manual wheelchair, was involved in a verbal altercation with the floor technician. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the floor technician yelled at the resident, refused to allow the resident to smoke, and then forcefully moved the wheelchair, causing the fall. The resident reported feeling hurt and emotionally distressed by the incident, stating it made them not want to go outside anymore. Witnesses, including a CNA, a housekeeper, and the dietary manager, observed the floor technician's rough handling and lack of assistance after the resident fell. The resident was assisted back into the wheelchair by other staff members. The incident was reported to the facility administrator, and the resident was assessed for injury. The floor technician stated that the resident was cursing and claimed the resident threw themselves to the ground, but this account was not supported by other staff interviews.