Failure to Secure Razors Creates Accident Hazard for Visually Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's environment was not kept free from accident hazards, specifically involving the improper storage of razors. During observation and interviews, it was found that a male resident with legal blindness, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, and depression had three razors in his drawer—one without a cover and two in an open package. The resident required total assistance with several activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, and staff were responsible for shaving him. Despite this, the razors were accessible in his room, contrary to facility policy and staff expectations. Interviews with the ADON, DON, and Administrator confirmed that the resident should not have had razors in his room due to the risk of injury to himself and others, especially considering his visual impairment and the presence of other residents who wander throughout the facility. The facility's policy required staff to ensure a safe environment and to monitor resident rooms daily, but the razors were not removed after care, resulting in a failure to prevent an accident hazard.