Soiled and Damaged Wheelchairs and Commode
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, comfortable, and home-like environment for residents who used wheelchairs and for a resident who used an over-the-toilet commode. During observation, a resident was seen seated in a wheelchair with a seat cushion that had a large amount of residue buildup on the sides and a rip along the right lateral side, and the wheelchair itself had a large amount of thick residue on the seat and frame. On follow-up, the wheelchair remained heavily soiled. Staff interviews reflected differing expectations for wheelchair cleaning, with one staff member stating wheelchairs were taken apart and cleaned two days per week, while others stated they should be cleaned every 2 weeks or as needed and kept clean and in good working condition. During an environmental tour, multiple residents were observed seated in wheelchairs that were dirty, rusty, or had residue buildup on the frame and wheels. One resident stated, "Look at this, I need a new seat, it's ripped," and the surveyor observed a large rip on the right side of the wheelchair seat. Other residents were observed in wheelchairs with rust, dust, dirt, and residue on various parts of the frame, wheels, and seat areas. Several residents stated they cleaned their own wheelchairs or could not recall the last time the facility cleaned them. The DESM accompanied the surveyor and confirmed the findings, stating he was disappointed in the condition of the wheelchairs because an employee was scheduled to work 2 days per week to clean them. The surveyor also observed an over-the-toilet commode in a resident's room with rust on the legs and arms. The RN/IP stated that wheelchairs should be cleaned every 2 weeks and as needed, and that cleaning was important so residents did not get sick and develop health concerns and spread viruses. The facility's wheelchair cleaning schedule for several months showed each wheelchair was scheduled for cleaning once per month, while the facility policy stated all resident wheelchairs must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized twice per month, cleaned according to the posted schedule, and inspected for damage, loose parts, unsafe wheels, or malfunctioning brakes.
Penalty
Resources
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