Failure to Timely Repair Resident Wheelchair and Document Requests
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of a resident who required a manual wheelchair for mobility. The resident, who had diagnoses including cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and asthma, was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for wheelchair mobility. Despite informing the Director of Social Work that their wheelchair was too small and in need of repair at least three months prior, no documented assessment or action was taken by the rehabilitation or nursing departments to address the issue. There was no evidence in the electronic medical record, social work notes, or work orders that the wheelchair had been reported for repair or that the resident's concerns were documented. Observations revealed that the wheelchair had a shredded left wheel and a non-functioning left wheel lock, making it unsafe and difficult to use. Staff interviews confirmed that the condition of the wheelchair had been reported multiple times to nursing supervisors and that the Director of Rehabilitation was only informed the night before the surveyor's observation. The Director of Social Work acknowledged being told about the issue but did not document the resident's request or follow up with progress notes or grievances. This lack of timely response and documentation resulted in the resident continuing to use a wheelchair in disrepair for an extended period.