Alden Long Grove Rehab &hc Ctr
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Long Grove, Illinois.
- Location
- 2308 Old Hicks Road, Long Grove, Illinois 60047
- CMS Provider Number
- 145872
- Inspections on file
- 27
- Latest survey
- March 10, 2026
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 3 (2 serious)
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Alden Long Grove Rehab &hc Ctr during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A cognitively intact resident with multiple comorbidities reported that a CNA got into bed with her, rubbed her breast through the blanket, and made repeated sexual comments while she told him to stop. She stated she had previously given this detailed account to the Social Services Director, who stopped her description, told her not to talk about it, and only notified the Administrator. Another cognitively intact resident, listening by phone at the time of the incident, later reported hearing the CNA make sexual remarks and pressure the resident while she refused, but facility staff did not interview this witness during the initial investigation. The Administrator documented a limited phone interview with the resident and an interview with the CNA, who denied the allegation, and the facility concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated based on perceived inconsistencies and denials, without fully incorporating the witness account. Despite the abuse allegation and the facility’s abuse policy requiring immediate protection and prompt investigation, the CNA was allowed to return to work and continued to work multiple shifts with access to all residents after the investigation was marked complete and unsubstantiated, leading surveyors to cite the facility for failing to thoroughly investigate and substantiate the abuse allegation and to protect residents from the alleged perpetrator.
A cognitively intact resident who required extensive ADL assistance reported that a CNA who routinely provided her night care climbed into her bed, rubbed the side of her breast through the blanket, and made sexually explicit comments while she repeatedly told him to stop and leave. Another alert resident, on the phone with her during the incident, reported hearing the CNA make sexual remarks and persist despite the resident’s refusals, yet she was not interviewed by facility staff during the initial investigation. The Social Services Director stopped the resident’s detailed report once he heard it involved her chest and only relayed limited information to the Administrator, and the facility’s incident documentation reframed the allegation as breast touching during routine peri care and labeled the resident’s interview as inconsistent. The facility’s investigation concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated, the CNA denied wrongdoing, and the resident’s care plan was revised to describe her as having socially inappropriate behavior and telling different stories, despite no documented history of false abuse allegations and staff describing both involved residents as alert, oriented, and reliable historians.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions did not receive ordered Enoxaparin injections for DVT prophylaxis on three days due to staff not accessing available stock in the emergency pharmacy machine and medication delivery issues. Nursing staff were unaware of the medication's availability, despite facility policy and posted lists, resulting in missed doses.
The facility failed to administer insulin at the scheduled times for two residents, resulting in significant medication errors. One resident received insulin late due to varying breakfast times, while another frequently had to request insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. The DON confirmed that insulin should be given with meals.
A facility failed to change a JP drain dressing for a resident, leading to infection, and did not change another resident's head dressing as ordered. Additionally, a resident with diabetic neuropathy did not have prescribed elastic wraps applied to her legs, despite documentation indicating otherwise. These deficiencies highlight lapses in following treatment orders and documentation practices.
A facility failed to apply a splint for a resident with a contracted hand, resulting in a deficiency in maintaining range of motion. The resident, with respiratory failure and a tracheostomy, was found with her hand in a tight fist, and unused splints were observed nearby. A nurse found no directions for splint use in the medical record, and the resident reported no hand exercises were performed. The Restorative Director was aware of the issue, and an order for splint application was written after the deficiency was identified.
A facility failed to label a tube feeding bag according to professional standards. A resident's tube feeding bag was observed without a label, despite having an order for Diabetisource tube feeding supplement. A registered nurse acknowledged the requirement for labeling, which is also stated in the facility's policy on enteral nutritional feeding.
A resident with an acute wrist injury experienced a delay in receiving an x-ray, which was ordered after a fall. The x-ray was conducted over 26 hours after the order, and results were received 14 hours later. The facility's policy states that radiology services are available 24/7, but the Director of Nursing was unaware of the reason for the delay.
A resident with hemiplegia and other conditions was left in a soiled state due to delayed incontinence care. The resident, dependent on staff for toileting, waited a long time to be changed, pressing the call light twice before a CNA responded. The resident's care plan required regular checks and changes, which were not adhered to, resulting in the resident's discomfort and soiled environment.
A resident with a recurring UTI did not have a urologist appointment scheduled after a recommendation by an Infectious Disease NP. The facility delayed scheduling the appointment for 22 days until the resident's family requested it. The DON confirmed that an order for the appointment was not placed, which is necessary for scheduling according to facility policy.
A resident with a history of exit-seeking behavior and fall risk fell down stairs after exiting through an unalarmed door, resulting in a fibular fracture. The resident's room was near an exit not visible from the nurses' station, and staff were unaware of the exit due to a lack of alarm. The facility's policies on fall management and elopement were not effectively implemented.
Failure to Thoroughly Investigate Sexual Abuse Allegation and Restrict Alleged Perpetrator
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to thoroughly investigate and substantiate an allegation of sexual abuse made by a cognitively intact resident, and the failure to restrict the alleged perpetrator’s access to residents during and after the investigation. One resident (R1), who was admitted with multiple medical diagnoses including COPD, Type 2 diabetes, major depressive disorder, heart disease, and overactive bladder, required extensive physical assistance with ADLs and used a wheelchair. R1 had no cognitive impairment, no documented behaviors, and no history of making false allegations. At the end of February, R1 reported to the Social Services Director (V3) and then to the Administrator (V1) that a CNA (V4) had touched her breast during care a couple of days earlier. V3 acknowledged that when R1 began to describe an incident involving her chest, he stopped her from continuing, did not obtain full details, and focused only on notifying the Administrator. V1 documented a telephone interview with R1 in which R1 stated that during a brief change, V4 touched her breast while repositioning her, that she told him to stop, and that he stopped. V1 also interviewed V4, who denied any inappropriate touching. On 3/7/26, during the survey, R1 provided a more detailed account of the incident, stating that about a week earlier, around 9–10 PM, V4 got into bed with her, lay sideways on top of the comforter, rubbed the side of her breast through the blanket, giggled, and made repeated sexual comments such as that she could be his girlfriend and that she wanted it. R1 reported that she told him to get out and leave her room. She stated that she had anticipated not being believed and therefore called her friend and fellow resident R2 on the phone when V4 came into the room so R2 could hear the interaction. R1 reported that she had told V3 exactly what she later told the surveyor, but that V3 had told her not to talk about it and that the facility would handle it. R1 also stated that after the incident she was moved to another room and staff ensured V4 was not assigned to her, but that he continued to work in the facility. R2, who also had no cognitive impairment or behaviors documented in her assessment and no history of making false allegations, corroborated R1’s account by describing what she heard over the phone. R2 stated she heard a male CNA, identified as V4, making sexual remarks, calling R1 “honey,” laughing, and repeatedly pressuring her while R1 told him to quit, said no, and told him to get out. R2 reported that no one from the facility had interviewed her about what she heard. R1’s sister (V7) and husband (V6) both reported that R1 had disclosed that a CNA had gotten into bed with her and touched her breast, and V7 stated that R1 was of sound mind, became unusually quiet and withdrawn after the incident, and was fearful at night about who was working on the floor. A local sheriff’s deputy (V8) confirmed that R1 reported that V4 jumped into bed with her, said she could be his girlfriend, and touched the sides of her breasts, and that R2 reported hearing V4 over the phone making inappropriate sexual remarks and trying to kiss R1 while R1 said no. Despite these reports, the facility’s written investigation, completed on 3/2/26, concluded that the allegation was unsubstantiated. The investigation documentation stated that R1’s interview was inconsistent, that V4 denied the allegation, that R1’s roommate denied any incidents with V4, and that other residents and staff reported feeling safe and denied inappropriate behavior. The documentation also stated that V4 was “not on the schedule” and therefore not suspended, and that he was not scheduled until March 2, 2026, when his next shift began at 7:00 PM. However, the facility’s daily schedule showed that V4 had worked on 2/26/26, a couple of days before the allegation, and that after the investigation was marked complete and unsubstantiated on 3/2/26, V4 returned to work his scheduled shifts on 3/2/26, 3/3/26, 3/5/26, and 3/6/26 with access to all residents. During a later interview, the DON (V2) characterized the situation as “he said she said,” referenced both R1 and R2 as having behaviors and psychiatric consults, and suggested the allegation was suspicious in light of media reports about abuse at another facility, despite both residents being described elsewhere as alert, oriented, and reliable historians. The surveyors determined that the facility failed to thoroughly investigate the abuse allegation, failed to interview the identified witness R2 in a timely manner, and failed to substantiate the allegation, resulting in the alleged perpetrator continuing to have access to all residents. The Immediate Jeopardy was determined to have begun when R1’s initial report of sexual abuse was made to V3 and V1 on 2/28/26, and continued while V4 remained on the schedule and worked multiple shifts after the facility had documented the investigation as completed and unsubstantiated. The facility’s abuse policy required immediate protection of residents involved in reports of possible abuse and prompt, aggressive investigation of all allegations, including sexual abuse defined as sexual harassment, sexual coercion, or sexual assault. In this case, the facility did not obtain or document a complete initial account from R1, did not promptly interview the identified witness R2, and relied heavily on V4’s denial and generalized resident interviews to conclude the allegation was unsubstantiated. As a result, the alleged perpetrator was allowed to continue working with access to all 93 residents in the facility until the Immediate Jeopardy was addressed on 3/10/26.
Removal Plan
- Perform full body check on resident; document findings
- Perform full body checks on residents in the facility that are not interviewable
- Notify family and physician
- Update resident care plan pertaining to the alleged abuse
- Immediately suspend CNA pending an investigation
- Review facility resources for stress management and policy related to the occurrence; revise as indicated
- Educate staff on how to take an initial report of abuse and what should be included in the report
- Educate Social Service Director on how to take an initial report of abuse and what should be included in the report
- Educate Administrator on how to conduct a thorough investigation and how to determine if abuse occurred
- Assess residents for any markings that could be related to physical contact and interview residents who are able to be interviewed; document findings
- Conduct interviews with residents and document concerns
- Reeducate all staff and managers on facility abuse policy, abuse prevention, and stress management
- Provide pop quizzes to staff about abuse
- Audit compliance using Quality Assurance Audit tool for abuse
- Review results of abuse audits with the facility's interdisciplinary team
- Discuss abuse policy and prevention with all new hires at new hire orientation
- Audit all residents' abuse assessments and abuse care plans for accuracy; review audits by QA committee with evaluation of trends/patterns and implement corrective action as indicated; adjust audit frequency based on goal attainment; monitored by Administrator
- Hold emergency QA meeting with the Interdisciplinary Care Team and Medical Director to discuss abuse allegation and plans of correction; monitored by Administrator
Failure to Protect Resident From Sexual Abuse and Inadequate Abuse Investigation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect a resident from sexual abuse by a CNA. The cognitively intact resident, who required staff assistance for most ADLs and used a wheelchair, reported that on a night shift the CNA who routinely put her to bed and provided incontinence care climbed into her bed around 9–10 PM, lay sideways on top of the comforter, rubbed the side of her breast through the blanket, and made sexually inappropriate comments including that she could be his girlfriend, “you know you want it,” and “come on honey.” The resident stated she repeatedly told him to stop, to get out, and to leave her room. She reported that the night before this incident the CNA had been “way too friendly,” which led her to anticipate further inappropriate behavior. The resident reported the incident to the Social Services Director at the end of February, telling him what had happened. The Social Services Director acknowledged that when the resident began to describe an issue involving her chest, he stopped her, focused only on the fact that it involved her breasts, and immediately contacted the Administrator, without listening to or retaining the full details of her report. The Administrator then spoke with the resident by phone; the Administrator’s documentation and interview reflect that the allegation was characterized as the CNA touching the resident’s breast during routine ADL/peri care while she was on the edge of the bed, and the facility’s written incident report framed the allegation as occurring during routine care and described the resident’s interview as “inconsistent.” The facility’s investigation concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated, and the CNA denied any inappropriate touching, stating he only repositioned the resident during care and asserting that she sometimes said things that were not true. Another cognitively intact resident reported that she was on the phone with the abused resident during the incident and heard the male CNA making sexual remarks such as “come on honey” while the resident repeatedly told him to quit, go away, and get out of her room; she stated no one from the facility had interviewed her about what she heard. The abused resident’s sister reported that the resident, whom she described as of sound mind and normally very talkative, became unusually quiet and withdrawn, and later disclosed that the CNA had “jumped into bed” with her and rubbed her breast, and that another person told her “don’t start anything, we will take care of it.” The sister stated the resident was embarrassed and fearful at night and that she had been told the CNA was moved to a memory floor. The resident’s husband confirmed that his wife told him a CNA had gotten into bed with her. Facility records showed that prior to the surveyor’s investigation, the resident’s care plan had been revised to describe her as having “socially inappropriate behavior” and a history of telling different stories to different staff, despite no documented history of false abuse allegations, and the facility’s abuse policy required immediate protection of residents and prompt, aggressive investigation of all abuse reports, including sexual abuse such as sexual harassment, coercion, or assault. Law enforcement later interviewed the resident and the phone witness; the deputy summarized that the resident reported the CNA jumped into bed with her, said she could be his girlfriend, and touched the sides of her breasts, while the other resident reported hearing the CNA fall into the bed, attempt to kiss the resident, and persist in making sexual remarks and pushing for relations while the resident said no. Staff familiar with the resident, including an RN and the Social Services Director, described her as alert, oriented, and without behaviors, and similarly described the phone witness as alert, oriented, and a reliable historian. Despite these consistent accounts and corroborating witness information, the facility’s internal documentation continued to characterize the allegation as unsubstantiated and did not reflect that the phone witness had been interviewed as part of the initial investigation. These actions and omissions resulted in the facility’s failure to protect the resident from sexual abuse by a staff member and to fully and accurately investigate and respond to the allegation in accordance with its abuse policy.
Removal Plan
- Perform full body check on resident; document findings.
- Perform full body checks on residents in the facility who are not interviewable; document findings.
- Notify family and physician.
- Update resident care plan pertaining to the alleged abuse.
- Immediately suspend the CNA pending an investigation.
- Review facility resources for stress management and the abuse policy related to the occurrence; revise as indicated.
- Educate staff on how to take an initial report of abuse and what should be included in the report.
- Educate the Social Service Director on how to take an initial report of abuse and what should be included in the report.
- Educate the Administrator on how to conduct a thorough investigation and how to determine if abuse occurred.
- Assess residents for any markings that could be related to physical contact and interview residents who are able to be interviewed; document findings.
- Conduct interviews with residents and document concerns.
- Re-educate all staff and managers on the facility abuse policy, abuse prevention, and stress management.
- Provide pop quizzes to staff about abuse.
- Review compliance using a Quality Assurance audit tool for abuse.
- Review results of abuse audits with the interdisciplinary team.
- Discuss the abuse policy and prevention with all new hires at new hire orientation.
- Audit all residents' abuse assessments and abuse care plans for accuracy; review audits by the QA committee, evaluate trends/patterns, and implement corrective actions as indicated.
- Hold an emergency QA meeting with the interdisciplinary care team and Medical Director to discuss the abuse allegation and plans of correction and obtain approval of the plan of correction.
Failure to Administer Ordered Anticoagulant Due to Medication Management Lapses
Penalty
Summary
A resident with multiple diagnoses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ESBL, idiopathic scoliosis, and a history of falls, did not receive physician-ordered Enoxaparin Sodium injections for DVT prophylaxis on three consecutive days. The resident was cognitively intact and reported missing doses at the beginning of the month, attributing the issue to a delivery error. Review of the medication administration record and nursing progress notes confirmed that the medication was not administered on those days due to it being unavailable or not delivered by the pharmacy. Despite the facility having an emergency pharmacy stock machine containing two syringes of Enoxaparin, nursing staff were either unaware of its availability or did not access it. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the medication was always stocked in the emergency machine and that a list of available medications was posted for staff reference. Facility policies required medications to be administered as ordered and reordered in advance to prevent lapses, but these procedures were not followed, resulting in the resident missing prescribed doses.
Failure to Administer Insulin on Time
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that insulin was administered at the ordered and scheduled times for two residents, leading to significant medication errors. One resident, R3, was observed receiving insulin late, with the RN acknowledging the delay and noting that breakfast times varied. R3's medication administration record indicated an order for Insulin Aspart to be given twice daily before meals, but it was not administered as scheduled. Another resident, R1, reported frequently having to request insulin at the nurse's station due to delays, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. R1's medication administration records showed multiple instances of late insulin administration, with times significantly deviating from the scheduled meal times. The Director of Nursing confirmed that insulin should be administered with meals, typically at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM.
Failure to Change Dressings and Apply Elastic Wraps as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper care and treatment for a resident with a Jackson Pratt (JP) drain, resulting in the site not being assessed for 11 days and becoming infected. The resident, who had a JP drain following gallbladder surgery, reported that the dressing had not been changed since November 21, 2024, and he had been emptying the drain himself. Upon inspection, the dressing was heavily soiled, and the site was red, tender, and had an odor. The wound care nurse confirmed that the dressing should have been changed daily by the staff nurses, as per the resident's treatment administration record, which showed no documentation of refusal or non-compliance by the resident. Another resident was observed with a dressing on her head that had not been changed as ordered. The resident reported that her dressing was last changed on November 29, 2024, and that it often did not get changed on weekends. The treatment administration record showed no documentation of dressing changes on specific dates, indicating a failure to follow the prescribed daily dressing change order. The registered nurse confirmed that the primary nurse is responsible for weekend dressing changes and should document when they are completed or if the resident refuses. A third resident, diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, was found without the prescribed ace wrap or tubigrip on her lower legs, which were swollen. The treatment sheet indicated that the tubigrip was being applied, but the resident confirmed it was not. The registered nurse acknowledged the discrepancy and noted that the tubigrip is usually applied during the night shift. The resident expressed the need for the tubigrip to help decrease leg swelling, highlighting a failure in adhering to the treatment plan.
Failure to Apply Splint for Resident's Contracted Hand
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper application of a device for a resident with a contracted hand, leading to a deficiency in maintaining or improving the resident's range of motion. The resident, who has a diagnosis of respiratory failure with a tracheostomy and no cognitive impairment, was observed with her left hand in a closed tight fist position. A splint intended for her hand was found by her bedside and another by her wheelchair, both unused. A registered nurse attempted to apply the splint but found no directions in the resident's Physician Order Sheet regarding its use. The resident reported that no one exercises her hand, making it difficult to open. Progress notes from a physician assistant indicated the need for a wrist-hand orthotic for the resident's left hand contracture. The Restorative Director was aware of the resident's declined range of motion and confirmed that the resident agreed to wear a splint daily. However, the order for the splint application was only written after the deficiency was noted, specifying its use in the morning and removal in the evening, with allowances for removal during activities of daily living and care.
Failure to Label Tube Feeding Bag
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards of nursing by not labeling a resident's tube feeding bag. During an observation, a tube feeding bag with a brownish solution was found connected to a resident without any label indicating the type of solution being administered. A registered nurse confirmed that the bag should have been labeled and that the resident had an order for Diabetisource tube feeding supplement. The facility's policy on enteral nutritional feeding, dated September 2020, requires that bags or containers be labeled with the name, date, and time, which was not followed in this instance.
Delayed X-ray for Resident with Acute Injury
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that an x-ray was obtained in a timely manner for a resident, identified as R128, who sustained an acute injury. On October 31, 2024, R128 experienced a fall, resulting in a complaint of pain in her right wrist. A head-to-toe assessment was conducted, and the resident was found to have no other injuries or distress. The local on-call doctor was contacted, and an x-ray of the right wrist was ordered at 6:29 PM. However, the x-ray was not performed until November 1, 2024, at 8:42 PM, which was 26 hours and 13 minutes after the order was placed. The results of the x-ray were not received by the facility until November 2, 2024, at 11:34 AM, approximately 14 hours after the x-ray was conducted. The Director of Nursing (V2) was unaware of the reason for the delay in obtaining the x-ray, noting that x-rays are typically completed within 24 hours if not ordered STAT. The facility's policy, dated September 2020, states that radiology services are available 24/7, including holidays. Despite this policy, the delay in obtaining and receiving the x-ray results indicates a failure to adhere to the established procedures, resulting in a deficiency in the timely provision of necessary diagnostic services for the resident.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care for a resident who is dependent on staff for toileting. The resident, a male with a history of hemiplegia, dysphagia, aphasia, muscle weakness, and mobility issues, reported waiting a long time to be changed. On the morning of the incident, the resident was found lying in bed with a saturated incontinent brief and large amounts of stool on his bottom. The resident's call light was pressed twice before a CNA responded and provided the necessary care. The CNA noted the resident's condition and changed his clothing, while the resident's spouse observed and removed a soiled wheelchair cushion. The resident's care plan indicated he is incontinent of bowel and bladder and requires peri-care with episodes of incontinence. The CNA admitted to not knowing when the resident was last changed and confirmed that residents should be checked and changed every two hours. An RN also stated that staff should remove soiled linen and clean soiled surfaces. The incident highlights a failure in adhering to the resident's care plan and the facility's protocol for incontinence care, resulting in the resident remaining in a soiled state for an extended period.
Failure to Schedule Urologist Appointment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to schedule a urologist appointment for a resident with a recurring urinary tract infection (UTI) after it was recommended by an Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner. The recommendation was made on 7/24/24, and the nurse practitioner communicated this to a nurse and documented it in the progress notes. However, the facility did not initiate the scheduling of the appointment until 8/15/24, which was 22 days later, and only after the resident's family requested the appointment. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's nurses are responsible for setting up appointments when a healthcare provider makes such a recommendation. It was noted that an order for the urologist appointment was not placed after the nurse practitioner's recommendation, which is a common practice for ensuring appointments are scheduled. The facility's policy requires a physician's order for appointments, and without it, the nurses were unaware of the need to schedule the appointment.
Failure to Supervise Exit-Seeking Resident Leads to Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately supervise a resident with a history of exit-seeking behavior and a risk of falling, which resulted in the resident falling down the stairs and sustaining a fibular fracture. The resident, who had been admitted with multiple diagnoses including dementia and a history of falls, was known to exhibit confusion and exit-seeking behavior. Despite these known risks, the resident's room was located near an exit door that was not visible from the nurses' station or dining room, and the door alarm did not sound when the resident exited. On the day of the incident, the resident was last seen in the hallway in a wheelchair before being discovered on the stairs after falling. The resident had expressed a desire to go outside to smoke and had previously been difficult to redirect when attempting to leave the facility. The staff did not hear an alarm when the resident exited, and it was unclear how the resident managed to get out. The resident was found in pain and was subsequently hospitalized with a fibular fracture and a urinary tract infection. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident frequently attempted to leave the unit and was known to set off door alarms. However, the facility's log for checking door alarms was only initiated after the incident, indicating a lack of prior routine checks. The facility's policies on fall management and elopement were not effectively implemented, as the resident's room placement and the lack of a functioning alarm contributed to the incident.
Removal Plan
- Performed a head count on all units.
- All facility door alarms were checked for proper functionality.
- All residents, including the resident in question, were assessed for exit seeking behaviors.
- The administrator, nurse consultant and medical director reviewed the facility policies related to the occurrence: Door alarms, routine resident checks, and incident/accidents.
- The director of nursing/assistant director of nursing and social service have reviewed and updated as need related to patient safety care plans.
- The elopement binder was reviewed and updated.
- All residents determined to have exit seeking behaviors have been evaluated for a possible room change to the alarmed unit of the facility.
- All residents fall interventions were assessed to ensure proper interventions are in place.
- All staff in serviced on the following topics: How to redirect residents that are wandering away from exits, how to promote safer outcomes for residents through supervision, answering door alarms promptly and reporting any changes in cognition or exit seeking behaviors to the nurse.
- All staff and managers are being reeducated on routine resident check, incidents/accidents, wandering policy and procedure and where to locate the at risk of elopement binders.
- A review of compliance using QA tool for response to door alarms completed.
- An emergency QA meeting was held.
Latest citations in Illinois
A resident with end stage renal disease on dialysis, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, who was care planned as high risk for falls, slid from a high-back wheelchair and sustained a left femur fracture. The care plan called for proper seating, posture reminders, and use of a non-skid/dycem pad in the wheelchair, but on the day of the fall the RN found the resident on the floor with the chair in an upright position and no non-slip pad in place. CNAs described differing routines for how the resident was transferred and positioned after dialysis and dinner, including expectations that the chair be slightly reclined and the resident monitored in a TV room, while the DON’s investigation did not confirm whether required fall-prevention devices were in use and acknowledged the resident had previously slid from his wheelchair.
A resident with hemiplegia, gait abnormalities, lack of coordination, and cognitive deficit, who required substantial assistance with ADLs including turning in bed, fell from bed during peri-care when a CNA asked the resident to turn onto her side and the resident’s legs went over the bed edge. Staff later reported that residents should be positioned in the middle of the bed before turning to prevent falls. An RN assessed the resident after the fall, and the resident was subsequently evaluated by an NP and sent to the hospital, where an intertrochanteric femur fracture associated with a traumatic event was diagnosed.
Two cognitively intact residents reported separate incidents in which CNAs used profane, disparaging, and humiliating language toward or about them during personal care. In one event, a male CNA providing incontinence care to a roommate refused to close the room door, argued with a resident about the request, and repeatedly used the term “mother f***er” in reference to that resident while care was being given. In another event, two CNAs entered a resident’s room after a recent hospice bath, with one CNA stating the resident “stinks” and that no one, including hospice, wanted to care for him because he always complained. Both residents had no documented history of making false abuse allegations, and the reported staff statements are inconsistent with the facility’s abuse policy defining mental and verbal abuse as including humiliation, harassment, and disparaging or derogatory terms.
A resident with ESRD on dialysis, right BKA, osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s fell in his room and was assisted back to bed by an RN and CNA. The RN documented an assessment and later gave PRN tramadol, while the CNA reported the resident said “Oww” when his left leg was moved and screamed during care. The next day, a CNA reported that the resident screamed that his left leg hurt when being dressed and informed two RNs, and another CNA later heard the resident repeatedly say he was in pain but did not notify a nurse. Despite multiple pain complaints, documentation shows only one PRN tramadol dose and no thorough assessment of the left leg pain or MD notification for change in condition. The resident was later sent from dialysis to the ER for leg pain, where an X-ray showed a distal femur fracture requiring surgical repair, and the hospital record noted it was unclear if any evaluation had been done after the fall.
A resident had an active order for enhanced barrier precautions due to a PICC, with signage posted instructing staff to wear gloves and a gown during device care and use. A RN was observed performing PICC care and disconnecting the resident from IV antibiotic therapy while wearing gloves but no gown. The infection control nurse confirmed that enhanced barrier precautions require both gloves and a gown for PICC handling, and facility policy specified glove and gown use for high-contact device care activities.
A resident re-admitted after right femur fracture repair, with dementia and multiple comorbidities, had a PRN order for oxycodone 5 mg q4h for moderate to severe pain. Nursing documentation later that day described the resident yelling, screaming, and exhibiting severe pain, but the MAR shows no pain medication was given at that time, and only acetaminophen 325 mg was administered hours later. The RN and DON acknowledged that the resident was non-verbal, that oxycodone was ordered and available from the emergency supply, and that acetaminophen alone was not adequate for post-surgical pain, yet the narcotic was not administered until many hours after delivery from the pharmacy, contrary to the facility’s pain management policy.
Two residents experienced failures in required physician and family notification. For one resident on Lithium with multiple comorbidities, staff did not notify the psychiatrist of a documented high Lithium level and continued administering Lithium at the increased dose until the resident became lethargic and was later hospitalized with Lithium toxicity. For another resident with Parkinson’s disease and high fall risk who requires total assistance with ADLs, staff did not document physician or family notification after unwitnessed falls that resulted in bruising to the buttock, hip discoloration, and a head abrasion, despite internal policy requiring immediate notification for significant changes in condition and injuries.
Two residents experienced deficiencies in assessment and monitoring when staff did not adequately evaluate or document significant changes in condition and post-fall injuries. One resident with multiple chronic conditions and on lithium became markedly lethargic, unable to sit upright, and had difficulty swallowing, with CNAs repeatedly reporting these changes to an RN who documented only a bruise and no detailed assessment or frequent monitoring; a previously elevated lithium level had not been reported to the psychiatrist. Another resident with Parkinson’s disease and high fall risk had an unwitnessed fall and was later found by CNAs to have a large dark purple bruise covering most of the right buttock, but nursing staff either assessed only exposed skin or gave conflicting accounts of having noted the bruise, and documentation and post-fall assessments did not reflect this injury as required by facility policy.
A resident with multiple chronic conditions, moderate cognitive impairment, and independent ambulation was placed in a Geri-chair by a CNA who was not assigned to the resident, and a sheet was tied around the resident’s waist and the back of the chair, preventing the resident from getting up. The CNA stated she used the sheet as a seat belt and safety precaution because the resident was wandering into other residents’ rooms and disturbing them, acknowledging that tying a sheet in this way is considered a restraint and is not allowed. The resident, who does not use a wheelchair or Geri-chair and normally ambulates without assistive devices, remained in the chair until discovered by a day-shift CNA, who noted the resident could not get up as usual and saw the sheet restraining the resident. Facility leadership, including the administrator, DON, physician, and social services, confirmed that the Geri-chair and tied sheet constituted a physical restraint applied without assessment, IDT involvement, physician order, consent, or documented medical symptoms warranting restraint, contrary to facility policies prohibiting such use and requiring immediate reporting of potential abuse. A subsequent skin assessment documented discoloration/bruising to the resident’s upper and lower extremities.
Staff failed to follow the facility’s mandatory gait belt policy and individual transfer care plans for multiple cognitively impaired residents with conditions such as DM, CHF, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, cerebral infarction, and Alzheimer’s disease. CNAs repeatedly transferred residents between bed, wheelchair, and toilet without gait belts, instead lifting under the axillae, pulling on clothing, and moving wheelchairs into place while residents were partially supported. In one instance, a wheelchair was not locked during a transfer, causing a resident to end up on the edge of the bed and nearly fall. CNAs later acknowledged that gait belts are supposed to be used for transfers, and facility policy specifies that gait belts are mandatory for all physical assist transfers.
Failure to Implement Fall-Prevention Interventions for High-Risk Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to implement and maintain fall prevention interventions for a resident identified as high risk for falls, resulting in the resident sliding from a high-back wheelchair and sustaining a left femur fracture. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including end stage renal disease with dialysis dependence, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, abnormal posture, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The resident’s care plan identified him as high risk for falls and included interventions such as reminding him of good posture in the wheelchair, redirecting him to bed if slouching or fatigued, ensuring he was properly seated, and placing a non-skid mat/dycem non-slip pad in the wheelchair to prevent sliding. On the evening of the fall, the RN responded to the resident yelling and found him on the floor between his recliner (high-back wheelchair) and nearby furniture; the resident stated he had been sleeping in the recliner in front of the heater and slid down. The RN observed that the wheelchair was in the upright position rather than reclined as usual and that there was no non-slip pad on the chair. Interviews and record review showed inconsistent implementation of the resident’s fall-prevention plan and lack of clear follow-through on the circumstances of the fall. One CNA reported that on the day of the fall, the resident returned from dialysis already in his chair, likely transferred there by transport staff using a sheet, and that she did not transfer him into the chair herself. Another CNA, who routinely cared for the resident, stated that transport staff typically placed him in bed on return from dialysis and that staff would later transfer him to his high-back wheelchair with a mechanical lift before dinner, recline the chair slightly after dinner, and position him in the TV room so staff could monitor him and prevent him from falling asleep and sliding out. The DON, who investigated the fall, did not recall speaking with the RN or the CNA involved, did not know whether a non-slip pad was in place at the time of the fall, and acknowledged that the resident had slid out of his wheelchair in the past. The DON identified sliding from the wheelchair as the root cause of the fall and stated that the resident’s left leg fracture was from this fall.
Failure to Maintain Bed Safety During Peri-Care Resulting in Resident Fall and Fracture
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s safety during incontinence/peri-care, resulting in a fall from bed and a fracture. The resident had been readmitted with diagnoses including hemiplegia and hemiparesis affecting the right dominant side, multiple neoplasm sites, lack of coordination, and abnormalities of gait and mobility. A recent Minimum Data Set indicated the resident had a cognitive deficit and required partial to substantial assistance with ADLs such as turning in bed, bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene. During peri-care, a CNA reported completing cleaning of the resident’s front and then asking the resident to turn onto her side; the resident turned onto her right side, her legs went over the side of the bed, and she fell out of the bed. Another CNA stated that when providing peri-care, staff should ensure the resident is in the middle of the bed before turning them so they do not go too far and fall out. Following the fall, an RN reported being informed by the CNA that the resident had fallen out of bed while being cleaned and was asked to assess the resident. After the resident was returned to bed, the RN noted the resident nodded when asked if she had pain. A nurse practitioner later saw the resident in her wheelchair and noted she did not show signs of pain until her right hip and thigh were palpated, after which the resident’s power of attorney requested hospital transfer. Hospital records showed the resident was admitted with an intertrochanteric right femur fracture and was transferred to another hospital for surgery. The medical director stated that this type of fracture is associated with a traumatic event.
Failure to Protect Residents From Verbal and Mental Abuse by CNAs
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to protect residents from verbal and mental abuse by CNAs. One cognitively intact resident, R1, reported that on a morning the prior week, a Black male CNA entered the shared room around 5:55 AM to provide incontinence care to R2 and left the door open. When R1 told the CNA the door needed to be closed, the CNA replied that he does not close doors when working. After R1 stated he could make a complaint to the state, the CNA responded, “Do what you have to do mother f***er.” R1 then got out of bed, closed the door himself, and went to the bathroom. R1 reported this incident that morning to the Activity Director (V3), describing that an African American male CNA had used unkind words toward him related to his request to close the door. R2, who is also cognitively intact, corroborated the incident, stating that while he was receiving perineal care from a CNA, R1 and the CNA argued about the door being closed. R2 reported that during the care, while the CNA was wiping his perineal area, the CNA called R1 a “mother f***er.” After R1 closed the door and went to the bathroom, R2 stated that the CNA continued talking about R1 and referred to him as a “mother f***er” multiple times, with the term directed toward R1. The Administrator (V1) later interviewed the Black male CNAs and contacted an agency CNA (V10) who had worked that night; V10 admitted to swearing in the room while providing care to R2, stating he hit his foot and yelled out profanity, but denied swearing at residents. R1’s care plan and staff interviews indicated he had no history of making false abuse statements, and R2’s records similarly showed no history of false abuse allegations. A second incident of verbal and mental abuse involved R2 and two CNAs, V7 and V8. R2 stated that on a day shortly after a hospice aide had given him a bath, V7 and V8 entered his room to clean him and get him up. According to R2, V7 said, “You stink.” When R2 responded that he should not smell because he had just received a bath the day before, V7 allegedly stated, “Everyone in this place hates taking care of you.” R2 reported that these comments made him upset and feel bad about himself. R1, who was present in the room, stated that as soon as V7 entered, she told R2 that he stinks, and when R2 replied that he had just had a bath, V7 said, “No one want to take care of you, you are always complaining, not even hospice.” The facility’s abuse policy defines mental abuse as including humiliation and harassment, and verbal abuse as the willful use of disparaging and derogatory terms to residents or within hearing distance, which aligns with the language reported in both incidents.
Failure to Timely Assess and Treat Post-Fall Leg Pain Leading to Delayed Fracture Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident received timely medical evaluation and treatment after a fall resulting in a fractured leg. The resident had multiple diagnoses including end stage renal disease with dialysis dependence, right below-knee amputation, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, abnormal posture, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the fall incident note, the resident fell in his room and was found on the floor between his recliner and nearby furniture. The RN who responded reported performing a full assessment, including range of motion, and stated the resident could not move his left leg very much but considered this baseline and noted no pain complaints. She administered PRN tramadol later that night, documented for pain at a level 3, but stated she sometimes gives tramadol and melatonin to help him sleep and was unsure why pain was marked on the MAR. A CNA present after the fall reported that when the RN moved the resident’s left leg, he said “Oww” and began cussing, and that he screamed during incontinence care, though this was described as normal for him. On the following day shift, a CNA reported that when attempting to dress the resident, he screamed that his left leg hurt and stated he had fallen the previous day. The CNA immediately informed two RNs, who, according to the CNA, acknowledged the prior fall and said they were taking care of it; one RN later stated she did not recall being told about pain, and the other said she was leaving at end of shift after being told the resident had leg pain. Another CNA caring for the resident later that day and night reported the resident repeatedly said “don’t touch me, I’m in pain,” but she did not report this to a nurse because she believed it was normal for him to yell. Progress notes and records from this period show only one PRN tramadol dose given and no documented assessment of the resident’s left leg pain or notification of the physician regarding a change in condition between the fall and his transfer out. The next day, at the dialysis center, the resident appeared agitated and pointed to his left leg, prompting transfer to the ER, where imaging revealed a minimally displaced distal femur fracture requiring intramedullary nailing. The hospital history and physical noted it was unclear if any evaluation had been performed after the fall at the facility.
Failure to Use Required PPE During PICC Care Under Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s infection prevention and control program when staff did not follow required personal protective equipment (PPE) use for a resident on enhanced barrier precautions. The resident (R4) had a physician order dated 3/31/26 for enhanced barrier precautions related to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), with a start date of 3/26/26. An enhanced barrier precaution sign was posted on the resident’s bathroom door, instructing staff to wear gloves and a gown during device care and use. On 3/31/26 at 11:12 AM, a registered nurse (V16) was observed in the resident’s room handling the PICC line and disconnecting the resident from an antibiotic while wearing gloves but no gown. During an interview, the infection control nurse (V7) stated that enhanced barrier precautions are used to help limit infections and that staff are required to wear both gloves and a gown when handling a PICC. The facility’s Enhanced Barrier Precautions Protocol, revised 7/26/21, specified that gloves and gowns were to be used during high-contact care activities, including device care or use. This sequence of observations, interviews, and record review showed that despite existing orders, signage, and policy requiring both gloves and gowns for high-contact device care under enhanced barrier precautions, the registered nurse did not wear a gown while performing PICC care for the resident.
Failure to Administer Ordered PRN Narcotic for Severe Post-Surgical Pain
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide ordered pain medication to a resident following right femur fracture repair. The resident was re-admitted with diagnoses including peripheral vascular disease, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, unspecified dementia, falls, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Physician orders dated December 2025 included oxycodone 5 mg every 4 hours as needed for moderate or severe pain. On 12/27/25 at 1:38 PM, nursing notes documented the resident exhibiting yelling and screaming behaviors and severe pain, with interventions listed as scheduled pain medication and PRN medication administration. However, the Medication Administration Record for December 2025 shows no pain medication was administered at 1:38 PM, and instead acetaminophen 325 mg was given later at 3:34 PM. During interviews, the RN stated the resident was confused and non-verbal, with pain indicated by facial grimacing and behaviors, and confirmed the resident had scheduled acetaminophen and PRN oxycodone available, noting that if waiting for pharmacy delivery, narcotics could be pulled from the emergency supply. The DON reported that discharge instructions from the hospital included narcotic prescriptions and that oxycodone was available in the emergency supply box. The DON confirmed the resident arrived at 10:27 AM, that the nurse’s note at 1:38 PM documented severe pain, and that no pain medication was administered at that time despite an order for oxycodone 5 mg for moderate to severe pain. The DON also stated that acetaminophen alone would not be adequate for pain control following hip surgery and was unsure why nursing did not administer the narcotic. The controlled substance record shows oxycodone was delivered to the facility at 10:00 PM and first administered at 1:00 AM the following day. The facility’s pain management policy states that pain management will be provided to residents who require such services, consistent with professional standards of practice and the person-centered care plan.
Failure to Notify Physician and Family of Abnormal Labs and Post-Fall Injuries
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to notify a physician of an abnormal laboratory result for a resident receiving Lithium, as well as failure to notify a physician and family of injuries following unwitnessed falls for another resident. One resident, a 65-year-old with multiple medical diagnoses including paranoid schizophrenia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic heart disease, anxiety disorder, and restlessness/agitation, had a physician order for Lithium that was increased over time to 300 mg twice daily as of early March 2026. A laboratory result dated March 10, 2026, showed a Lithium level of 1.40 mmol/L, flagged as high, with no documentation that the physician was notified of this abnormal result. The MAR shows that staff continued to administer Lithium 300 mg twice daily from March 5 through March 15, 2026, without documented physician notification or dose adjustment in response to the elevated level. On March 15, 2026, progress notes document that this resident became very lethargic, unable to stand or transfer, and unable to answer questions, with continued lethargy and inability to respond even to simple questions later that evening. The notes indicate that the physician and DON were contacted at that time and that the resident was sent to the hospital via emergency services. Hospital records show the resident was admitted with a primary diagnosis of Lithium toxicity and that a subsequent Lithium level was critically high at 1.73. The resident’s psychiatrist later stated he was not aware of the elevated Lithium level obtained on March 10, 2026, and that facility staff were expected to notify him of high or low Lithium levels so that medication doses could be adjusted and the resident monitored for changes in condition. The deficiency also includes a second resident, a 64-year-old with multiple diagnoses including altered mental status, Parkinson’s disease, lack of coordination, muscle wasting and atrophy, and difficulty walking, for whom the facility failed to notify the physician and family of injuries after unwitnessed falls and subsequent bruising. This resident requires total assistance for toileting, hygiene, and dressing. An incident report dated March 20, 2026, documents a fall by the nurses’ station with no initial injury noted and physician and family notification at that time; however, a large dark purple bruise covering most of the right buttock was later observed, and the post-fall follow-up assessment dated March 23, 2026, does not show documentation that the physician or family were notified of this bruise. Staff interviews show inconsistent accounts regarding when the bruise was noticed and who was informed, and a CNA reported that the bruise had been observed and reported to the nurse. Additionally, an earlier incident report dated February 23, 2026, documents an unwitnessed fall with yellow discoloration to the left hip and an abrasion to the posterior head, with no progress note documentation that the physician or family were notified of these injuries, despite facility policy requiring immediate notification of the physician and family for significant changes in condition or injuries.
Failure to Assess Change in Condition and Complete Post-Fall Body Assessment
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to adequately assess and respond to a change in condition for one resident (R1) and to perform a complete post-fall body assessment for another resident (R5). R1, a 65-year-old with multiple medical diagnoses including hypotension, hypertension, coronary artery disease, paranoid schizophrenia, urinary retention, anxiety disorder, and restlessness/agitation, was documented on the MDS as alert and oriented and requiring substantial to maximum assistance with ADLs. On the morning of March 15, 2026, R1’s nurse (V5) observed her leaning to one side in her wheelchair after breakfast and instructed CNAs to put her to bed to prevent a fall. V5 noted a bruise on R1’s left shoulder but did not document any further assessment of her condition. Despite multiple CNAs (V8, V9, V10) recognizing that R1 was very lethargic, leaning forward and to the side, unable to sit upright, having difficulty swallowing food and water, gagging, and appearing in a daze, there was no detailed nursing assessment or frequent monitoring documented for R1 during the morning shift. Later that day, during shift change, another nurse (V7) observed R1 to be very lethargic, barely responsive to her name, and unable to stand or transfer. V7 had not been informed of any change in condition and was unfamiliar with R1’s baseline. After R1’s family expressed alarm at her condition, V7 confirmed with CNAs that R1 usually got up with assistance and used a bedside commode but was now unable to get up or sit on the commode even with assistance from three staff. V7 obtained vital signs, which were stable, but R1 remained lethargic. V7 notified the physician and the DON and arranged for R1 to be sent to the hospital via emergency services. Progress notes from the evening documented that R1 was very lethargic, moaning but unable to speak or answer even simple questions. Hospital records showed R1 was admitted with a primary diagnosis of lithium toxicity, with a critically high lithium level of 1.73 mmol/L. A prior lab result from March 10, 2026, showed an elevated lithium level of 1.40 mmol/L, with no documentation that the physician was notified. R1’s psychiatrist (V14) stated he was not aware of the elevated lithium level and that facility staff were expected to notify him of high or low lithium levels so that dosing and monitoring could be adjusted. The deficiency also includes the facility’s failure to conduct and document a complete post-fall body assessment for R5, a 64-year-old with altered mental status, Parkinson’s disease, lack of coordination, muscle wasting and atrophy, difficulty walking, dysphagia (oral phase), and cognitive communication deficit. R5 required total assistance for toileting, hygiene, and dressing. An incident report dated March 20, 2026, documented that R5 had an unwitnessed fall by the nurses’ station, was on a blood thinner, and was sent to the hospital, with no injury initially noted. Upon R5’s return from the hospital on March 22, 2026, a progress note stated that a full body assessment was conducted and no new skin issues were noted, and subsequent post-fall assessments through March 23, 2026, also documented no skin issues. However, CNAs (V16 and V17) later observed a large dark purple bruise covering almost the entire right buttock during a full body assessment on March 23, 2026. CNA V17 reported seeing this bruise the evening of March 22, 2026, when assisting R5 to the toilet and stated she immediately notified nurse V6. CNA V21 confirmed being informed of the bruise during shift change. Nurse V5, who cared for R5 on the morning of March 23, 2026, stated he only assessed exposed skin and did not see the bruise. V6 initially stated she was unaware of the bruise but later changed her statement to say she had done a complete body check on admission and noted the bruise. The ADON (V20) stated that when a bruise is found, staff must document its size, location, color, tenderness or pain, and notify the physician of injuries or changes in condition. The facility’s Accident and Incident Policy requires documentation of the extent of injury, assessment, and at least 72 hours of daily documentation after an incident, which was not reflected in R5’s records regarding the buttock bruise.
Resident Improperly Restrained in Geri-Chair With Sheet and No Medical Justification
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves a resident who was physically restrained in a Geri-chair using a sheet without a physician’s order, consent, or documented medical justification. The resident is an older adult with multiple medical diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia, COPD, hypertensive heart disease without heart failure, hyperlipidemia, urinary incontinence, edema of unspecified eye, and bipolar disorder. The MDS documented a BIMS score of 9, indicating moderate cognitive impairment, and showed the resident required only supervision or touching assistance for sit-to-stand and ambulation tasks, did not use a wheelchair or scooter, and was ambulatory without assistive devices. The care plan documented the resident as an adult with chronic health conditions and co-morbidities living in LTC, with recognition that such circumstances may be viewed as a form of trauma, but did not document any history of being a perpetrator or recipient of mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. On the night in question, a CNA who was not assigned to the resident placed the ambulatory resident into a Geri-chair on the third floor and tied a sheet around the resident’s waist and the back of the chair, using it as a seat belt. The CNA stated she did this around 3:30 a.m. because the resident was walking from room to room, entering other residents’ rooms, pulling on residents while they were sleeping, and other residents were getting upset. The CNA reported that the resident was awake, clapping, able to move arms and legs, but could not get out of the Geri-chair because it was reclined “like a couch.” The CNA acknowledged that wheelchairs do not come with seat belts, that tying a sheet over a resident who does not use a Geri-chair is considered a restraint, and that using a sheet in this way is not allowed, but stated she believed she was helping and using it as a safety precaution to keep the resident from falling out and to keep the resident with her while she went from room to room. The resident remained in the Geri-chair with the sheet tied until discovered by a day-shift CNA after 7:00 a.m., who found the resident in the dining room, noted that the resident could not get up as usual, and on closer inspection saw the sheet restraining the resident from getting out of the chair. The day-shift CNA reported the situation to a nurse and the resident was removed from the chair around 7:10–7:15 a.m. Subsequent review of security footage by the administrator and DON confirmed the resident sitting in the hallway in a Geri-chair with a sheet tied over the lap, and multiple staff, including the administrator, DON, attending physician, and social services director, identified the Geri-chair and tied sheet as a restraint, noting that the resident is ambulatory and does not utilize a Geri-chair. A skin/shower worksheet dated several days later documented skin discoloration/bruising to the resident’s upper and lower extremities. The facility’s written policies state that physical restraints are to be used only as a last resort after alternatives have been tried and failed, based on assessment and IDT determination, and that the facility prohibits abuse, neglect, exploitation, and mistreatment, with employees required to immediately report any incident, allegation, or suspicion of potential abuse or neglect to the administrator or an immediate supervisor who must immediately report it to the administrator. In this incident, the resident was restrained without assessment, IDT involvement, physician order, consent, or documented medical symptoms warranting restraint, and the restraint was applied solely at the CNA’s discretion. Additional staff interviews further described the circumstances and staff awareness. The DON confirmed that the resident is ambulatory, does not use assistive devices, does not utilize a Geri-chair, and is able to transfer independently, and stated that placing the resident in a Geri-chair and tying a sheet over the resident would be considered a restraint. The attending physician stated that someone took it upon themselves to place the resident in a Geri-chair and used a sheet to tie the resident down, described this as wrong and never okay, and characterized it as the aide’s misguided independent action. The social services director stated the resident ambulates independently with moderate cognitive impairment, does not require a wheelchair or Geri-chair, and that having something wrapped around the resident’s legs or thighs in this manner is technically a restraint. The administrator stated that the Geri-chair was considered a restraint because it was not assigned to the resident, and the sheet was also a restraint because it was tied over the resident’s lap, and confirmed that the resident is mobile and does not use a chair or other devices. The report also details staff knowledge and recognition of the restraint and the reporting chain. The CNA who discovered the resident in the morning stated she had received abuse prevention training and knew that use of restraints is prohibited and considered abuse, and that there are different levels of restraints. She reported the situation to a nurse but did not directly notify the administrator. The house supervisor LPN stated she was told by the CNA that the resident was in a Geri-chair and was wet, but she did not hear that the resident was tied with a sheet; she stated that if she had heard that the resident was restrained, she would have immediately assessed the resident and notified the administrator, acknowledging that restraints are not allowed and that the resident ambulates independently and does not use a Geri-chair. The night-shift LPN assigned to the resident stated he saw the resident in the Geri-chair, with hands visible and no distress, but did not see the sheet tied around the waist and was not aware the resident was restrained; he stated he had received abuse prevention and restraint education. Another CNA on orientation reported seeing the resident rolled into the dining room and giving the resident water but did not see the sheet being tied and acknowledged that such use would be considered a restraint. Facility documentation, including the final incident investigation report and policy excerpts, confirms that the resident was physically restrained in a Geri-chair using a sheet, without physician orders, consent, or medical justification, and that this constituted inappropriate use of a physical restraint and a failure to protect the resident from abuse and to follow facility policies on restraint use and abuse prevention.
Failure to Use Gait Belts and Follow Transfer Care Plans
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in which staff did not follow the facility’s mandatory gait belt transfer policy or residents’ care plans requiring gait belt use for physical assist transfers. One resident with Type 2 DM, CHF, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a walker, gait belt, and one-person assist for transfers was observed being transferred from wheelchair to bed by a CNA who did not use a gait belt, instead pulling under the resident’s arm and by the waistband of his pants. Another resident with Parkinson’s disease, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt and walker or sit-to-stand device with one-person assist for transfers was transferred to and from the toilet by a CNA without a gait belt or walker; the CNA used one hand to guide the resident’s hip and the other to pull the wheelchair into position behind the resident. A third resident with dementia, cerebral infarction, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt, sit-to-stand device, and one-person assist for transfers was repeatedly transferred without a gait belt. The CNA lifted the resident under both axillae from bed to a high-back wheelchair, then into and out of the bathroom using the handrail and lifting under one axilla, again without a gait belt. During a subsequent transfer from wheelchair to bed, the CNA did not lock the wheelchair and did not apply a gait belt; as the resident grabbed the bed rail and the CNA lifted under the axilla, the wheelchair rolled away, leaving the resident sitting on the edge of the bed and nearly falling before the CNA was able, after several attempts, to get the resident’s legs and feet onto the bed. A fourth resident with Alzheimer’s disease, severe cognitive impairment, and a care plan requiring a gait belt and walker with one-person assist for transfers was transferred between wheelchair and toilet by a CNA who did not use a gait belt, instead pulling the resident up by her pants and under her arm and then holding onto the pants while pulling the wheelchair into position. Multiple CNAs later stated that gait belts are used for transferring residents, and the facility’s written policy states that use of a gait belt for all physical assist transfers is mandatory.
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