Failure to Provide Restorative Ambulation Programs as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide restorative nursing programs as ordered to maintain residents' ability to ambulate, affecting two of three residents reviewed for restorative services. For one resident with a history of cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and generalized weakness, the care plan required daily ambulation with staff support. However, documentation showed the resident only received the ambulation program once in the prior 30 days. Interviews revealed that after the retirement of the restorative aide, no other staff consistently provided the program, and aides reported insufficient time and unclear assignments regarding restorative care responsibilities. Another resident with hemiplegia, diabetes, and other chronic conditions was also on a restorative ambulation program intended to be provided daily. Records indicated inconsistent delivery, with the program offered or provided fewer times than ordered and some refusals not consistently documented. The DON acknowledged that records did not reflect the program being offered in accordance with the care plan or assessments. These findings demonstrate a failure to implement restorative nursing programs as planned, resulting in non-compliance with requirements to maintain residents' functional abilities.