Complaint Investigation Report

On 5/16/23 between 10:46 am and 11:23 am, LPA spoke with staff. Staff state they observed bruising on C1’s inner right arm within three days of the incident. Staff describe the bruising as two bruises on the bi-cep of the right arm, approximately a thumb-size or quarter size, 3-4 inches apart from each other. Staff state they spoke with C1 about the bruising, and C1 stated they did not have any pain or discomfort. Staff say that the protocol when trying to move residents to safety is for staff to offer their arm to the client and allow the client to grab their arm for support. Staff say their training is that there should be no other touching of clients but rather to redirect, and that the only time a client should be touched is if staff are preventing clients from harm.

On 5/18/23 at 9:07 am, LPA interviewed staff. Staff say they witnessed S1 behind C1’s back, walking backwards pulling C1 from the front door to the kitchen using their hands under C1’s arms, then lifting C1 up, and walking C1 to their room. Staff say they questioned S1 about their method of assisting C1, and S1 did not respond. Staff say they checked on C1 to make sure they were okay and said C1 was okay, no bruising. Staff say they didn’t consider S1’s actions as abuse, but that S1 didn’t handle the situation the right way. Staff say protocol in that type of situation is to “Not touch residents, only if they are falling. Do not put hands on them, evade.”

On 5/16/23, LPA attempted to observe C1’s arm where the bruising was said to occur and interview C1. C1 was asleep, staff were unable to wake C1, and C1 had long sleeve clothing covering their arms.

Based on the evidence obtained, the allegation, “Staff dragged resident causing bruising,” is deemed Substantiated at this time. Deficiency cited.