Broken Recliner with Exposed Metal Piece in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's recliner was found to have a broken footrest with a metal piece protruding from it, which is part of the mechanical system that supports the footrest. The resident, who had diagnoses including muscle wasting and atrophy, COPD, type 2 diabetes, and hypothyroidism, and who was cognitively intact, reported that the recliner had been broken since being moved into the room several days prior. The resident had not reported the issue to staff and stated that she had not been injured because she was careful to avoid the exposed metal. Observation and interviews confirmed that the broken recliner was present in the resident's room until it was discovered by staff. The facility's policy requires a clean, sanitary, and orderly environment, but the broken recliner with an exposed metal piece was not identified or addressed by staff until it was brought to their attention. This failure resulted in the resident being exposed to an environment that was not safe, functional, or comfortable, as required by facility policy.