F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
E

Insufficient Over-the-Bed Tables on C Unit

Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare CenterLowell, Massachusetts Survey Completed on 08-15-2025

Summary

The facility failed to provide each resident with an over-the-bed table on the C unit. Survey observations showed that the C unit had tray tables for only 19 of the 41 beds available on the floor. A CNA stated that over-the-bed tables had been taken to other units in recent months, leaving residents on the C unit without enough tables and forcing residents to share tables from room to room. The CNA also said this created wait times for meal service, prevented activity materials from being kept within reach, and eliminated a place for residents to keep personal items. Surveyors observed multiple instances of residents and family members needing a tray table and staff having to locate one from another area or another resident's room. A family member had to ask the nurse's station for a table so she could provide coffee and a snack to her mother, and staff retrieved a table from the hallway that had been used for an activity task. On two separate occasions, staff brought meals into a resident's room and then had to take the meal back to the hallway to find a table before entering the room again. Another resident was brought into the hallway for an activity task, but no table was available and staff had to get one from a different resident's room. The Administrator acknowledged awareness that the C unit did not have enough tables for each resident and said he believed maintenance had ordered 22 tables, but no order history was provided.

Penalty

No penalty information released
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The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.

Resources

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See other F0558 citations
Call Light Out of Reach
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

Call Light Out of Reach: A resident with acute cystitis with hematuria, DM, and cirrhosis was found sitting in a chair with the call light hanging on the wall and out of reach. The resident asked a surveyor to call staff, and later an RN and CNA entered the room after being notified. The CNA stated the resident could not reach the call light, which was on the other side of the bed and should have been within reach.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Call Light Not Within Reach
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

Call Light Not Within Reach: A resident with severe cognitive impairment and dementia was observed in bed with his call light on the floor and out of reach. The CNA stated she normally ensured the call light was within reach because he was a fall risk, but she had not checked it before leaving the room. The DON and ADM stated residents’ call lights should be within reach so they can request assistance when needed.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Call Light Not Kept Within Reach
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

Call Light Not Kept Within Reach: A resident with hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and contractures had a call light observed coiled on the contracted side of the bed and hanging toward the floor, out of reach. A CNA stated the resident could not reach it, and an RN confirmed the facility policy required the call light to be within reach and secure as needed.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Call Light Not Within Reach for Two Residents
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

A facility failed to keep call lights within reach for two residents with care plans directing staff to ensure access to the device. One resident with intact cognition and impaired physical mobility was found unable to reach her call light while asking for help to use the bathroom, and an LVN found it on the floor. Another resident with dementia and generalized weakness was observed in bed with her special call light on the floor under the head of the bed, and the DON retrieved it and clipped it to her linen.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Call Light Not Within Reach
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

Call Light Not Within Reach: A resident with severe cognitive impairment, hemiplegia/hemiparesis, and extensive ADL dependence was observed in bed with his call light on the floor under the curtain and not within reach. The resident said he usually had the call light but did not remember when he last had it and would call out for help if needed. A CNA stated the call light should be within reach, another CNA said she may not have placed it there after giving the resident a shower, and the DON stated call lights are expected to always be within reach.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
Failure to Provide and Document Wheelchair Positioning Devices
D
F0558 F558: Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Short Summary

Failure to provide and document wheelchair positioning devices: A resident with moderate cognitive impairment, total assist transfers, and short stature was repeatedly observed seated in a high-back wheelchair with both legs dangling unsupported. OT had evaluated the resident and provided bilateral leg rests and a foot/calf board for lower-extremity support, but the devices were missing during observations and were not documented in the care plan, physician orders, or Kardex, so staff did not consistently accommodate the resident’s assessed positioning needs.

No penalty information released
tooltip icon
The penalty, as released by CMS, applies to the entire inspection this citation is part of, covering all citations and f-tags issued, not just this specific f-tag. For the complete original report, please refer to the 'Details' section.
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