F0689

J

Use of Defective Hoyer Lift for Resident Transfers

Whigham, Georgia Survey Completed on 03-10-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that its only Hoyer lift, used to transfer 13 residents, was functional and free of defective parts, and to remove it from service when it malfunctioned. Facility policy required staff to use the Risk Management portal to report and investigate incidents and accidents, including equipment malfunctions. On one occasion, a resident was being transferred from a wheelchair to a bed by two CNAs using a defective Hoyer lift when the lift tilted over, causing the resident to fall to the floor. The resident reported pain the following day, but an x-ray showed no fracture, dislocation, or bony destructive lesions. Staff interviews confirmed knowledge of the fall and that the Hoyer lift was defective.

Record review showed that the maintenance director assessed the malfunctioning Hoyer lift on multiple dates and determined that it needed parts, including a motor, arm lift, and wheels, which were ordered from an online vendor. Despite this, the facility continued to use the defective lift while awaiting parts, and CNAs reported having to stand on the leg of the lift to keep it from tilting over. Staff also reported that there was only one Hoyer lift available in the building, and the maintenance director confirmed that the lift remained in use until it was refurbished. A new 600-pound capacity lift was ordered later, and a new Hoyer lift was eventually received, but during the period in question the defective lift continued to be used for resident transfers. The current administrator stated he was recently hired and was not aware of the malfunctioning lift.