Failure to Assist Resident in Obtaining Replacement Hearing Aid
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received proper assistance in obtaining a replacement hearing aid after their original device was broken. The resident, who had a history of being hard of hearing in both ears and used hearing aids for both ears, reported that their right hearing aid broke after falling out and being stepped on. Although the incident was documented by social services, and both the resident care manager and director of nursing were notified, there was no further documentation or evidence that an appointment was set up or assistance was provided to replace the broken hearing aid. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and follow-up regarding the resident's need for hearing aid services. The Social Services Director was unaware of any residents requiring referrals for broken hearing aids and did not believe the resident wore hearing aids. Similarly, the Resident Care Manager was unaware of any referrals for the resident's hearing aids, and the Regional Director of Clinical Operations stated that it was their expectation that appointment referrals be followed up on by staff. Observations confirmed that the resident was only wearing a hearing aid in one ear, and records did not show any further action taken to address the broken device.