Inaccurate skin assessments and failure to support hearing-related communication needs
Summary
The facility failed to ensure Resident 1’s skin condition was accurately identified and documented in weekly nursing evaluations. Resident 1 was admitted with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, mood disorder, psychosis, and bilateral hearing loss, and had a BIMS score of 3, indicating severe cognitive impairment. The resident’s family reported that facility staff did not identify multiple skin issues, including a sore on the left heel and rashes under the breasts, and stated these concerns were discovered and reported by the family. Review of the resident’s records showed that the Weekly Summary completed on 2/13/26 documented no skin issues, and the Weekly Summary completed on 2/20/26 also documented no skin issues or skin changes. However, an eINTERACT change in condition evaluation dated 2/18/26 documented that the family reported the left heel felt hard, and nursing staff assessed the area as a callous and obtained treatment orders. The nurse supervisor acknowledged the 2/20/26 Weekly Summary was inaccurate because a skin change had occurred between the two weekly assessments. The record also showed the Weekly Summary due on 5/1/26 was not completed, and an eINTERACT change in condition evaluation dated 5/4/26 documented redness under the resident’s right breast with treatment orders obtained. The nurse supervisor acknowledged the missed weekly summary could have identified the skin change earlier. The facility also failed to implement the resident’s communication care plan intervention related to hearing aids. The care plan directed staff to assist with hearing aid placement and maintenance, observe and report decreased hearing function, and coordinate battery replacement with the responsible party. During observation, the resident was not wearing hearing aids and had difficulty hearing and understanding questions. A CNA stated she was unaware the resident had hearing aids. MDS staff reviewed the resident’s assessment and acknowledged it incorrectly indicated hearing was adequate and that hearing aids were used, despite the resident not having hearing aids available during the assessment. The ADON confirmed the resident did not have hearing aids available, stated the inventory of personal effects had not been updated when belongings changed, and acknowledged staff should have offered hearing amplifiers or communication boards to assist with communication.
Penalty
Resources
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