Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff left resident unattended in a wheelchair for an extended period

It is alleged that R-1 was left in their wheelchair unattended outside while they were smoking a cigarette. RP stated that they were on the phone with the resident and overheard staff telling resident to just roll their wheelchair down the ramp as the staff was now off of work. During interviews LPA found that residents are not in their wheelchairs all day. After meals residents are taken to the activities room and placed on the sofa for activities or to watch tv. Some go back to their rooms to go back to bed. They can go to the activity room upstairs if they choose to. If they are more independent then they do their own thing. LPA observes the residents in wheelchairs during every visit to the facility rolling going into the activity room after breakfast and placed on the sofa for activities. Resident was only at the facility for 3 days.

On 11/30/23 LPA interviewed residents 2 – resident 10 (R-2 – R-10). LPA asked residents, have you ever needed help from your wheelchair and did not get it? Of those interviewed, 6 out of 9 answered, no. R-1 was not available for interview. Residents generally stated that they always get help. On 1/18/24, LPA interviewed staff, staff 1 – staff 10 (S-1 – S-10). LPA asked staff, regarding wheelchair bound residents, how long are they generally in the chair? Of those interviewed 10 out of 10 stated no they are not in their wheelchairs for extended periods of time, they are taken to activities to be placed on the sofa after meals for fall risk or returned back to their rooms. Based on information gathered, there is no sufficient evidence to corroborate the above allegation.