Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff restricted residents from accessing their mobility devices.

It was reported that staff #1 (S1) restricted residents from accessing their mobility devices. The reporting party alleged that night shift caregiver S1 took wheelchairs and walkers and placed them out of residence reach during the NOC shift. The reporting party did not provide the names of any specific residents allegedly affected. During the course of investigation, LPA conducted interviews with seven (7) out of fifteen (15) residents residing in the Memory Care Unit. All residents interviewed denied that staff took away their mobility devices and stated that they are always able to access their wheelchairs and walkers as needed and did not report concerns related to staff interfering with their mobility equipment. Residents also added that even during nighttime, their mobility devices are next to their beds for easy access. During the visit, LPA also observed that all residents had wheelchairs or walkers next to them and by their beds. LPA also interviewed staff members, who denied witnessing or hearing of any staff restricting residents’ mobility devices and stated that residents’ mobility equipment is kept available at all times. Furthermore, staff added that they would immediately notify supervisors if they observed any conduct that interfered with residents’ care or residents’ rights. Staff consistently stated that residents are provided with care and supervision in a professional manner. LPA interviewed the Executive Director (ED) and Memory Care Director (MCD), who informed that this issue was brought to their attention with anonymously written letters and they both conducted their internal investigation by conducting surprise night visits to the facility to ensure residents are receiving appropriate care and supervision. ED and MCD further stated that staff receive regular in-service training and are expected to maintain residents’ personal rights and dignity.

Based on interviews and observations, because no specific resident was identified and no corroborating evidence was obtained, the allegations that staff restricted the resident from accessing their mobility devices is Unsubstantiated at this time.