Failure to Provide Required Assistive Devices for ADL Independence
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistive devices to a resident with Parkinson's disease and other significant medical conditions, resulting in the resident not having access to built-up utensils and a plate guard during meals. The resident's care plan and the facility's Dining Details Report both specified the need for built-up utensils and a plate guard to maximize independence with eating. However, during observation, the resident was found eating lunch in bed with standard utensils and without a plate guard, despite having sliced peaches that required a fork. The required adaptive equipment was found stored in the resident's dresser drawer, not in use at the time of the meal. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness and follow-through regarding the resident's assistive device needs. The Geriatric Nursing Assistant was unsure of the current requirements, and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the necessary devices were not in use during the meal observation. The absence of these devices was only addressed after surveyor intervention, indicating a lapse in ensuring that assistive devices were consistently provided as outlined in the resident's care plan and documented needs.