F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
D

Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care

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

Summary

The facility failed to ensure one resident was free from neglect related to incontinence care. The resident was admitted with diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, acute kidney failure, dementia, and aphasia. The most recent MDS indicated the resident could not complete the BIMS, had severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making, and was always incontinent of bowel and bladder with dependence on staff for toileting hygiene and ADLs. On observation, the resident was brought to the dining room in a high-back wheelchair before breakfast and remained there for hours. Beginning late in the morning, a fecal and urine-like odor was noted in the area where the resident was sitting. The resident was observed attempting to stand from the wheelchair on two occasions, and the CNA assigned to the resident covered the resident with a blanket but did not provide further care at that time. The CNA later stated she had provided incontinence care earlier in the morning, that the resident had not received further incontinence care since being brought to the dining room, and that hospice had not been in that day. The resident remained in the dining room through lunch, with staff assisting with the meal while the odor persisted. Nursing staff later confirmed the resident had not received incontinence care and said the resident would be changed after eating. When the resident was finally brought to the bedroom, the CNA provided incontinence care and observed stool and urine in the brief with mild redness in the peri area. The resident’s bowel and bladder assessment, care card, and care plan all identified the resident as incontinent and requiring regular checks and peri-care, and staff interviews stated that failing to check and change an incontinent resident for several hours would be neglect.

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

Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:

See other F0600 citations
Failure to Protect Resident from Abuse During Feeding Assistance
D
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A CNA aggressively slapped and grabbed a resident’s wrist during lunch feeding assistance, then roughly pulled the resident’s hand off his shirt sleeve after she had grabbed it. The CNA had prior disciplinary actions, including a previous feeding incident in which a resident choked and required the Heimlich maneuver. A nurse later assessed the resident and found no bruises or cuts.

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 Protect Residents from Resident-to-Resident Physical Abuse
D
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A facility failed to protect two residents from resident-to-resident physical abuse. In one incident, a resident with dementia and cognitive impairment was struck during a dispute over TV volume and responded by scratching the other resident. In another, a resident with dementia and physically aggressive behaviors scratched a roommate’s face, leaving superficial marks. Staff interviews and clinical records confirmed both altercations and the resulting injuries.

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 Follow Two-Person Transfer Plan Resulted in Resident Fractures
G
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A resident with a left ankle fracture, muscle weakness, and total-assist transfer needs was supposed to receive 2-person assistance and remain NWB on the left leg. Instead, a nurse aide transferred the resident with only one staff member during a toilet-to-wheelchair transfer, and the resident heard a pop and developed increased pain. X-ray and hospital imaging confirmed fractures of the distal R tibia and fibula, and the facility substantiated neglect for not following the care plan.

Inspection fine: $16,350
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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.
Failure to Protect Resident from Repeated Room Intrusions
G
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

Failure to Protect Resident from Repeated Room Intrusions: A cognitively intact resident with depression and hip OA was repeatedly frightened when another resident with dementia and wandering behaviors entered her room, took belongings, and could not be reliably redirected. Staff used a stop sign banner and other barriers, but the other resident continued to enter the room, and the resident became so fearful that she requested discharge before completing her therapy goals.

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 Protect Resident from Alleged Physical Abuse
D
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

Failure to protect a resident from alleged physical abuse: A resident with COPD, speech disturbances, and dysphagia reported that an LPN pushed them in the chest during med pass after they refused meds, causing them to fall. The resident had no visible injuries, but the report was documented by nursing staff and the NP, and the resident later reiterated by writing/gestures that the LPN pushed them. The LPN denied pushing the resident and described the contact as accidental, while the facility concluded there was no evidence of abuse.

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 Protect Resident from Abuse and Maintain Privacy
D
F0600 F600: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Short Summary

A resident-to-resident sexual abuse allegation was not thoroughly investigated, and the resident was not promptly protected or monitored after the allegation. In a separate issue, a handwritten sign with personal care instructions was posted above another resident's bed, and an RT, LPN, RN, and CNA all acknowledged it was a privacy and dignity concern and against facility policy.

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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