Complaint Investigation Report

Home health nurse disclosed that R1 had an underlying condition that could have caused hypothermia and low body temperature. R1 did not have medication the morning of going to the hospital that could have contributed to the condition.

Complaint alleges Client received unexplained bruising at facility: Reporting party disclosed that R1 had had six to eight small "dot" sized bruises in various stages of healing on R1’s mid chest and upper back. Interviews with staff indicated that they did not know how R1 had gotten the bruises. The bruises were not caused by someone hitting, or striking R1. Staff recalled bruises on R1’s leg that were caused by R1 hitting their leg on their wheelchair. Staff asked R1 what happened regarding the chest bruises and R1 responded they did not know. The bruise on the back might have been caused by the way R1 sits in their wheelchair. Home Health disclosed that R1 had an underlying condition that caused them to bruise very easily.

The Home Health nurse believed R1’s bruising on the chest could have occurred when staff were transferring R1 and putting their hands under R1’s armpits. Staff needed a good grip while transferring R1 who was “quite heavy.” R1’s back bruising looked like it can be from hitting R1’s wheelchair handle when R1s its on it, or it could have happened from toileting or transferring.

Due to a lack of corroborating evidence to determine when the sores began developing, the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated. Allegations, Neglect and Client received unexplained bruising at facility is UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that the complaint is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred.

No deficiencies cited during today's visit.

Exit interview conducted with Aida Dean, Administrator.