Incomplete fall investigations for two residents
Summary
The facility did not ensure a thorough investigation of two reported fall incidents involving residents with documented fall risk and supervision needs. Facility policy for the falls management program stated that a fall investigation analysis sheet is to be used to identify the root cause and determine whether the fall was avoidable or unavoidable. Resident R42 had diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease, bilateral knee pain, osteoarthritis, and long-term insulin use, and therapy discharge recommendations indicated she was to walk and stand with supervision. Her care plan identified her as at risk for falls due to confusion, history of falls, and poor safety awareness, with interventions including keeping her walker within reach and reminding her to use it; another care plan entry stated she required 1-person assist with a rolling walker for ambulation. After R42 fell in her room and sustained a head hematoma, a closed non-displaced fracture of the right middle finger, and a right knee abrasion, the investigation form completed by the nurse aide stated there was no evidence she was supervised during ambulation with the walker and no indication of preventative measures in place during the incident. Resident R2 also had diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease, polyosteoarthritis, and muscle weakness, and therapy discharge recommendations indicated she required supervision or touching assistance during ambulation. Her care plan directed supervision or 1-person assist with a walker for ambulation. The facility investigation report for R2's fall stated she was walking into the dining room with her walker, appeared to trip over her own feet, placed her walker to the side, lost her balance, and fell onto her left side, resulting in a left hip fracture. However, the DON and administrator stated that the report was inaccurate and that R2 was actually on her way out of the dining area, with an adequate amount of staff present. The investigation report still contained no evidence that all fall preventative measures, including supervision, were in place.
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