Thrive Of Fox Valley
Inspection history, citations, penalties and survey trends for this long-term care facility in Aurora, Illinois.
- Location
- 4020 E New York Street, Aurora, Illinois 60504
- CMS Provider Number
- 146194
- Inspections on file
- 22
- Latest survey
- June 11, 2025
- Citations (last 12 mo.)
- 0
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Thrive Of Fox Valley during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Two residents did not receive appropriate care: one with a cholecystostomy drain was not assessed or monitored by staff, and the dressing from the hospital was left unchanged and undated. Another resident did not receive timely assistance with wet bed linens and incontinence care, despite multiple requests and use of the call light system. Staff failed to follow facility policies for wound care and call light response, and documentation did not accurately reflect the residents' needs or interventions provided.
A resident with a history of pulmonary embolism and TIA experienced an unwitnessed fall while on a blood thinner. The facility's policy required regular neuro-checks after such incidents, but records showed only one check was completed after the initial evaluation. The on-call physician noted that checks should have been conducted throughout the night to monitor for head injuries, indicating a failure to adhere to the facility's protocol.
The facility failed to resolve grievances about extended call light response times, as reported by residents during multiple meetings. Despite training sessions for staff, residents continued to experience delays, particularly during night and weekend shifts. Three residents reported significant wait times, impacting their care and comfort. The facility's grievance policy was not effectively implemented, as evidenced by ongoing complaints and inadequate documentation of resolutions.
Two residents in an LTC facility experienced delays in medication administration, contrary to facility policy. One resident, with multiple diagnoses, had medications administered late on consecutive days without prescriber notification. Another resident reported concerns about late pain medication, which was administered over four hours late without prescriber contact. The DON confirmed the expectation for nurses to notify prescribers of such delays.
The facility failed to properly label, date, seal, and store food items in the kitchen, affecting all residents receiving oral nutrition. Expired and unlabeled items were found, and the Dietary Manager admitted to lacking a food storage policy, contributing to the oversight.
The facility failed to accommodate the needs of two residents by not providing a functioning over bed light and an adaptive call/light button. A resident with paralysis and macular degeneration was unable to use the standard call light, and another resident experienced issues with a broken over bed light that could not be turned off. Staff did not follow procedures to ensure call lights were within reach or report maintenance issues promptly.
A resident with multiple health issues, including a fractured arm and malnutrition, did not receive timely incontinence care, resulting in saturated clothing and bedding. The resident, who requires substantial assistance with daily activities, reported not receiving care since the previous night. The facility's policy mandates care every two hours, which was not followed, as confirmed by the DON.
The facility failed to administer medications as prescribed for two residents. One resident did not receive her Trospium for urinary incontinence for eight days, despite it being listed on her hospital discharge documents. The pharmacy sent an alternative medication, which the resident refused. Another resident did not receive his glaucoma eye drops for two days, requiring his wife to bring the medication from home. The DON acknowledged these as medication errors, and the facility's policy lacked a process for timely medication availability.
The facility failed to provide safe respiratory care for three residents. A resident with COPD and asthma had a CPAP mask not stored properly, while another with asthma had a nebulization mask left uncovered. A third resident with COPD and CHF also had improperly stored respiratory equipment. The DON confirmed that equipment should be rinsed, air-dried, and stored in a designated bag, as per facility policy.
Two residents in the facility did not receive their prescribed intravenous antibiotics as ordered, resulting in significant medication errors. One resident, treated for MRSA bacteremia, did not receive the correct vancomycin IV dosage and frequency, while another resident missed several doses of cefazolin IV for a hand infection. The facility's policies on medication administration were not adhered to, leading to these deficiencies.
A resident with an ileostomy experienced frequent leaks from the ostomy appliance, leading to skin irritation and burning sensations. Despite staff awareness of the issue, the wound nurse was not consistently notified, and there were no specific ostomy care orders documented. The facility's standard of care, which includes regular evaluation and documentation of skin conditions, was not followed, resulting in a deficiency.
Failure to Monitor Cholecystostomy Drain and Provide Timely Resident Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly assess, monitor, document, and care plan for a resident with a cholecystostomy drain. The resident was observed with a cholecystostomy drainage bag and an incision site covered by a hospital-applied dressing that had not been changed or assessed by facility staff since admission. The dressing was undated and showed a dried area of drainage. The resident and her son confirmed that the dressing had not been changed since the hospital, and the LPN on duty was unaware of any dressing change orders or requirements to monitor the insertion site. The resident's admission assessment and progress notes incorrectly documented that she did not have a surgical drain, and her care plan lacked interventions for monitoring or caring for the cholecystostomy drain. Physician orders were unclear regarding site care, and the nurse consultant was uncertain about the specifics of the order, indicating a lack of clarity and follow-through in care planning and execution. Another deficiency involved the facility's failure to provide timely assistance to a resident requiring staff help with activities of daily living and incontinence care. The resident reported that after spilling water on her bed, she used her call light for assistance, but staff did not change her wet linens for several hours despite multiple requests. The call light was turned off without the resident's needs being met, and assistance was only provided after the resident's son intervened. The resident also requested that her roommate, who had an incontinence episode, receive help first, indicating a broader issue with staff responsiveness. The facility's policies require staff to assess wounds, monitor for infection, and respond to call lights promptly, but these were not followed in the cases reviewed. The DON confirmed that staff are expected to answer call lights within 10-15 minutes and not to turn them off until the resident's needs are met. However, documentation and interviews revealed that these expectations were not met for the residents involved, resulting in unmet care needs and lack of appropriate monitoring and documentation.
Failure to Conduct Regular Neuro-Checks After Unwitnessed Fall
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's neurological evaluations were completed and monitored following an unwitnessed fall. The resident, who had a history of pulmonary embolism and transient ischemic attack, experienced an unwitnessed fall while on a blood thinner. The facility's policy required neuro-checks to be conducted regularly after such incidents, but the resident's records showed that only one neuro-check was completed after the initial evaluation. The on-call physician stated that neuro-checks should have been conducted throughout the night at specific intervals to monitor for potential head injuries. However, the facility's records indicated that the neuro-checks were not performed as required by the facility's protocol, which could have helped identify signs of a head injury, such as brain bleeding or intracranial pressure. This deficiency was identified during a review of the resident's care, highlighting a lack of adherence to the facility's neurological assessment policy.
Failure to Resolve Call Light Response Time Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to address and resolve grievances related to extended wait times for call light responses, as voiced by residents during multiple Resident Council meetings. Despite the concerns being communicated to the Director of Nursing and Administration, and a training session being conducted for nursing staff, residents continued to report dissatisfaction with the response times. The grievances were documented in Resident Council Meeting Minutes over several months, indicating a persistent issue that was not adequately resolved. Three residents, identified as R1, R2, and R4, expressed specific concerns about the timeliness of call light responses, particularly during night and weekend shifts. R1 reported waiting at least 30 minutes, resulting in an incident where she urinated on herself due to the delay. R2 mentioned waiting for an hour for assistance during the night shift, and R4 described a similar experience while needing medication for a migraine. These residents had various medical conditions requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), making timely responses critical. The facility's grievance log showed that R1's daughter filed a grievance about the call light issue, but the documentation lacked a timely resolution. The facility's policy on grievances emphasized prompt resolution and tracking of grievances for quality improvement, yet the ongoing complaints and lack of documented resolutions suggest a failure to adhere to this policy. The facility's inaction in effectively addressing the grievances led to continued dissatisfaction among residents regarding call light response times.
Medication Administration Delays in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications timely in accordance with its policy, affecting two residents. Resident R4, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including Guillain-Barre Syndrome and West Nile virus, was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for activities of daily living. The Medication Administration Audit report showed that R4's medications scheduled for 9:00 AM on two consecutive days were administered significantly late, with no notification to the prescriber about the delays. R4's wife expressed concern about the late administration of medications. Resident R2, who was cognitively intact and had multiple diagnoses including spinal stenosis and diabetes, also experienced late medication administration. R2 reported concerns about the timeliness of her pain medication. The Medication Administration Audit report indicated that R2's scheduled 9:00 AM medication was administered over four hours late, with no documentation of prescriber notification or guidance on the next dose. The Director of Nursing confirmed that it is expected for nurses to contact the prescriber when medications are administered late.
Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Facility Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label, date, seal, and store food items in the kitchen, affecting all residents receiving oral nutrition from the facility. During a kitchen tour, several expired food items were found, including feta cheese, cheese ravioli, chopped spinach, Eggo frozen waffles, various types of bread, pepperoni, pizza sausage, Boston cream pie, frozen cranberries, white corn grits, chicken and herb stuffing, and [NAME] crumbs. These items were either past their expiration dates or lacked proper labeling, such as received or expiry dates. The Dietary Manager, identified as V9, acknowledged that expired items should be discarded to prevent potential harm to residents. However, V9 admitted to not having a policy on food storage, which contributed to the oversight. The facility's census was 57 residents, with no residents on NPO status, indicating that all residents were potentially affected by the improper food storage practices.
Failure to Accommodate Resident Needs and Address Maintenance Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate the needs of two residents, R26 and R31, by not providing a functioning over bed light and an adaptive call/light button. R26, who has a range of medical conditions including paralysis of the hands and macular degeneration, was unable to use the standard call light due to her physical limitations. Despite her cognitive intactness, as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, R26 reported that her call light was often out of reach and that she had waited up to three hours for assistance. Her family member confirmed her inability to activate the call light due to neuropathy and macular degeneration. The facility had alternative call devices available, but they were not provided to R26, indicating a lack of awareness or assessment of her specific needs by the staff. R31, another resident, experienced issues with a broken over bed light that could not be turned off, which affected her ability to rest. The light fixture had been broken since shortly after her admission, and staff had placed a sheet over it as a temporary solution, which posed a potential fire hazard. The RN responsible was unaware of the issue, and no repair requisition was made until it was reported to the Director of Environmental Services, who stated that the repair would have been quick if notified. The facility's policies require staff to ensure call lights are within reach and to report maintenance issues promptly, but these procedures were not followed, leading to the deficiencies observed.
Failure to Provide Timely Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely incontinence care for a resident, identified as R26, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including a displaced comminuted fracture of the right arm, moderate protein calorie malnutrition, and intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. On the morning of July 23, 2024, R26 reported that she required assistance with all activities of daily living but felt that the staff was not fully aware of her care needs. She stated that she had not received incontinence care since the previous night, and the first staff member she saw was at 10:40 AM. Upon the surveyor's request, incontinence care was provided at 11:56 AM, revealing that R26's gown, disposable undergarment, absorbent bed pad, transfer sheet, and bottom sheet were saturated with urine. Additionally, R26 exhibited pink blanchable skin on several areas and a non-blanchable area on her left buttock. The facility's Director of Nursing confirmed that incontinence care should be provided every two hours and as needed to prevent skin breakdown and urinary tract infections. The last incontinence care provided to R26 was at 7:15 AM, indicating a significant lapse in care. R26's Minimum Data Set (MDS) showed she was cognitively intact and required substantial assistance with toileting due to impaired mobility and weakness. Her care plan specified the need for assistance with toileting and cleaning the peri area with each incontinent episode. The facility's policy stated that care should be provided according to the resident's individualized care plan, which was not adhered to in this instance.
Medication Administration Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer medications according to physician's orders and resident preferences for two residents. One resident, who had been admitted to the facility about eight days prior, did not receive her prescribed Trospium 20 mg for urinary incontinence. Despite the medication being listed on her discharge documents from the hospital, the facility did not have the medication available, and the pharmacy sent an alternative medication, Oxybutynin, which the resident refused. The facility's records showed multiple instances where the medication was noted as 'not available,' and the resident continued to go without her prescribed medication. Another resident did not receive his prescribed eye drops for glaucoma for two days. His wife had to bring the medication from home for the facility to use. The facility's records indicated that the eye drops were not available, and the resident's MAR showed the medication was not administered on a specific date. The DON acknowledged that the failure to provide the medication was a mistake on the part of the nurse and classified it as a medication error. The facility's policy on medication administration did not include a process for ensuring medications are available to residents on time.
Failure to Provide Safe Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for three residents, as observed during a survey. Resident 15, who has diagnoses including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma, was found with a CPAP mask and tubing not in use and not contained in a bag on two separate occasions. The physician's orders required the CPAP/BiPAP to be used at bedtime and for the mask to be cleansed and air-dried after removal. Similarly, Resident 20, diagnosed with asthma and anxiety, had a nebulization mask and medication container left uncovered on the bedside table, contrary to the physician's orders for inhalation treatment every four hours as needed. Resident 265, with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Congestive Heart Failure, was also observed with a CPAP mask and tubing not in use and not contained in a bag, and a nebulization mask and medication container left uncovered on the nightstand. The physician's orders for this resident included CPAP/BiPAP use at bedtime and cleansing of the mask, as well as inhalation treatment every eight hours as needed. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the equipment should be rinsed, air-dried, and stored in a designated bag to prevent contamination, as per facility policy.
Failure to Administer IV Antibiotics as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer ordered intravenous antibiotics for two residents, leading to significant medication errors. Resident R3, who was being treated for MRSA bacteremia, did not receive the correct dosage and frequency of vancomycin IV as ordered. The pharmacist, responsible for dosing the medication, noted that R3's therapeutic blood levels were not within the target range, indicating nontherapeutic treatment. Despite recommendations to adjust the dosage, the facility did not implement these changes, resulting in R3 not receiving the appropriate treatment for his infection. Similarly, Resident R44, who was being treated for an acute osteomyelitis infection of the right hand, missed several scheduled doses of cefazolin IV. The EMAR showed omissions on specific dates, indicating a failure to administer the medication as ordered. The facility's policies on medication administration and physician's orders emphasize the importance of administering medications as prescribed, yet these were not followed, leading to the deficiencies observed.
Failure to Provide Adequate Ostomy Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate ostomy care for a resident, leading to skin irritation around the stoma site. The resident, a male with multiple diagnoses including end-stage renal failure and ileostomy status, experienced frequent leaks from his ostomy appliance. Staff members, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, reported that the appliance would often leak two to three times per shift, causing stool to come into contact with the resident's skin, resulting in burning sensations and raw skin. Despite these issues, the wound nurse was not consistently notified, and there were no specific ostomy care orders documented for the resident. The facility's standard of care requires documentation of skin conditions around the stoma and notification of the wound nurse in case of skin breakdown. However, these protocols were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of ostomy care orders and the failure to report ongoing skin irritation to the wound nurse. The resident's physician noted problems with the ostomy leaking and recommended adjustments to minimize skin exposure, but these recommendations were not reflected in the resident's care plan or treatment orders. The facility's policy on ostomy care, which includes regular evaluation and documentation of skin conditions, was not adhered to, contributing to the deficiency.
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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