Cluttered Bedside Area Blocked Access to Resident’s Bed
Summary
The facility failed to ensure Resident 4’s environment was safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike when clutter around the resident’s bed blocked access to the bed. Resident 4 was initially admitted to the facility and later readmitted with diagnoses including osteoarthritis of both hips and the right knee, type 2 DM, weakness, and other lack of coordination. The resident’s H&P indicated the resident was self-responsible and had the capacity to understand and make decisions, and the MDS indicated intact cognition with partial/moderate assistance needed for several ADLs and substantial/maximal assistance needed for bathing. Resident 4’s care plan identified non-compliance with safety measures related to having many personal items around the bed. The interdisciplinary team conference record stated the meeting was held because Resident 4 refused staff in general to touch and clean up belongings. Social Services and housekeeping went to the room and asked permission to clean and remove items no longer needed, but Resident 4 refused even after the risks and benefits were explained. The record also stated Resident 4 was told that paramedics would not be able to move freely in the room during an emergency because of the clutter, but the resident continued to refuse staff to clean up items around the bed. During observation, the room contained clutter surrounding the bed, including items on the floor on the right side of the bed, a broken lamp, a waste can, paper/mail under the bed, a partially blocked pathway, a 4-plug extension cord with multiple cords and papers/mail nearby, and multiple food items on the bedside table, including perishable items. CNA 4 stated it was very difficult to get past the items on the floor to reach the right side of the bed, that the items were a tripping hazard and unsafe, and that emergency care could be delayed because the items would have to be moved first. Resident 4 stated the resident had asked staff to help clean the room because standing for long periods was difficult, but staff said they would help and never came.
Penalty
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