INDIAN RIVER CENTER

7201 GREENBORO DR, WEST MELBOURNE, FL 32904 (321) 727-0990
For profit - Corporation 179 Beds ASTON HEALTH Data: November 2025 3 Immediate Jeopardy citations
Trust Grade
0/100
#642 of 690 in FL
Last Inspection: September 2024

Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.

Overview

Indian River Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about its quality of care. It ranks #642 out of 690 nursing homes in Florida, placing it in the bottom half of facilities statewide, and #19 out of 21 in Brevard County, meaning there are very few local options that are worse. Unfortunately, the facility's situation is worsening, with issues increasing from 4 in 2024 to 5 in 2025. Staffing is rated average at 3 out of 5 stars, with a turnover rate of 47%, which is typical for the area but may affect continuity of care. However, the facility has incurred $74,386 in fines, which is concerning and higher than 82% of Florida facilities, indicating potential compliance issues. Specific incidents include a failure to prevent physical abuse, resulting in a resident sustaining a fractured jaw and later dying, as well as neglect related to the investigation of an injury that went unaddressed. These issues highlight serious safety concerns within the memory care unit. While the staffing level is average and may provide some stability, the critical incidents and rising trends suggest families should proceed with caution when considering this facility for their loved ones.

Trust Score
F
0/100
In Florida
#642/690
Bottom 7%
Safety Record
High Risk
Review needed
Inspections
Getting Worse
4 → 5 violations
Staff Stability
⚠ Watch
47% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
Penalties
○ Average
$74,386 in fines. Higher than 53% of Florida facilities. Some compliance issues.
Skilled Nurses
○ Average
Each resident gets 32 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Florida. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
Violations
⚠ Watch
16 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
★☆☆☆☆
1.0
Overall Rating
★★★☆☆
3.0
Staff Levels
★★☆☆☆
2.0
Care Quality
★☆☆☆☆
1.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2024: 4 issues
2025: 5 issues

The Good

  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in fire safety.

The Bad

1-Star Overall Rating

Below Florida average (3.2)

Significant quality concerns identified by CMS

Staff Turnover: 47%

Near Florida avg (46%)

Higher turnover may affect care consistency

Federal Fines: $74,386

Well above median ($33,413)

Moderate penalties - review what triggered them

Chain: ASTON HEALTH

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 16 deficiencies on record

3 life-threatening
Mar 2025 4 deficiencies 3 IJ
CRITICAL (J) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation

Free from Abuse/Neglect (Tag F0600)

Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to prevent physical abuse of a vulnerable resident by another residen...

Read full inspector narrative →
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to prevent physical abuse of a vulnerable resident by another resident on the memory care unit, (#1), and failed to prevent neglect of a cognitively impaired resident exhibiting worsening behavior, (#2), for 2 of 6 residents reviewed for abuse/neglect, of a total sample of 6 residents. This failure contributed to resident #1 sustaining a fractured jaw which led to his transfer to an acute care hospital where he died 6 days later. On 12/25/24 at 9:40 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A witnessed resident #2 enter resident #1's room. Shortly after, resident #1's roommate approached the nurses' station and said resident #2 was in his room on top of resident #1. CNA A said when he got to resident #1's room, resident #2 was coming out with resident #1's sheets in his hands. CNA A explained he saw resident #1 lying on the bed in the dark with his feet hanging off the bed. The next morning, on 12/26/24 at approximately 7:30 AM, Registered Nurse (RN) F was notified by CNA E that she had observed discoloration to resident #1's face. The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) was at the facility and assessed the resident at 11:40 AM. The APRN ordered x-rays of resident #1's face as well as labs. Mobile x-rays were done and the results revealed resident #1 had suffered an acute fracture of the left and right lower jaw with soft tissue swelling. The APRN ordered resident #1's transfer to an acute care hospital at approximately 7:00 PM on 12/26/24. The hospital Emergency Department (ED) physician assessment dated [DATE] indicated resident #1's injuries were suspicious for non-accidental trauma, physical abuse or neglect. Resident #1 was not a candidate for surgery due to his advanced age and complex medical history. The resident was transferred to an inpatient hospice unit for comfort care on 12/27/24 and passed away five days later on 1/01/25. The facility failed to prevent resident-to-resident physical abuse for a vulnerable, cognitively impaired resident, (#1), failed to ensure medical care was provided in a timely manner for an emergent injury, failed to ensure incidents of abuse were accurately documented in the medical record, and failed to ensure a cognitively impaired resident, (#2) with history of aggressive behaviors was appropriately monitored and supervised to help him attain his highest practicable level of mental health. These failures contributed to an unsafe environment and put all residents that resided in the memory care unit at risk for physical abuse, and neglect. These failures resulted in Immediate Jeopardy starting on 12/25/24. There were a total of 60 residents residing in the facility's memory care unit. Findings: Cross Reference F610 and F835 1. Resident #1, an [AGE] year-old male, was initially admitted to the facility from an acute care hospital on [DATE] with diagnoses that included repeated falls, and adult failure to thrive. He was transferred to the hospital from the facility on 11/16/24 due to unresponsiveness and was treated for pneumonia and admitted to hospice services for senile degeneration of the brain. He was readmitted to the facility on [DATE] with additional diagnoses including palliative care, congestive heart failure, dementia, pain, and long-term use of anticoagulants. Review of the Discharge Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], revealed resident #1 had severe cognitive impairment, required supervision for eating, and substantial to maximum assistance for all activities of daily living (ADLs). For bed mobility he required partial to moderate assistance. The physician order summary for December 2024 revealed physician orders including: Apixaban (blood thinner), 5 milligrams (mg) twice a day for clot prevention; Donepezil 5 mg, once a day, and 10 mg at bedtime, for dementia; Haloperidol tablet, 2 mg three times a day for brief psychosis; Lorazepam (Ativan) gel, 1 mg every 6 hours as needed for anxiety; Mirtazapine 15 mg for depression daily; Quetiapine Fumarate 25 mg at bedtime for brief psychotic disorder; and Trazodone, 100 mg every 8 hours for depression with restlessness. Review of a psychiatric note dated 11/29/24 revealed resident #1 suffered with anxiety but denied depressive symptoms. The note indicated he slept well, ate well, had no manic symptoms, no agitation, and his moods were better. He was noted to be confused and restless, but no other behaviors were noted by the provider. In a telephone interview on 3/10/25 at 4:38 PM, resident #1's wife stated her husband was admitted to the facility because she was unable to care for him at home due to his dementia. She explained he was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] but was hospitalized again shortly afterwards. Resident #1's wife explained she requested the hospital not return him to the facility, but he had to return on 11/27/24, as they were unable to find a suitable bed elsewhere. She said she and the resident's brother would visit him almost daily. Resident #1's wife recalled on 12/26/24 she received a call from an unknown nurse at approximately 8:30 AM, informing her of discoloration found on her husband's face. She was told at that time they did not know what might have happened but believed it might have been caused by the bedrail. She recalled she had not seen her husband's injuries yet so did not argue with their explanation at that time. Resident #1's wife said she arrived at the facility around noon on 12/26/24 and he was sitting in his chair in the dining room. She remembered she was surprised when she saw the extent of the bruising on her husband's face and neck because it was worse than she imagined. She said the APRN, his nurse, and another female staff member whose name she could not recall were there when she saw him and the APRN said she would order an X-ray of his face and lab work. She said she told them at that time she did not believe this was caused by the bed rails because of how bad his face looked. Resident #1's wife explained she was told they did not know what happened to him, but they would investigate. She stated at approximately 1:00 PM, she tried to feed her husband his lunch, but he could not even open his mouth to chew, so he did not eat. She said she left the facility around 4:00 PM, and received a phone call at approximately 8:30 PM informing her the x-ray showed he had a broken jaw and lab work indicated he had an elevated white blood count (WBC) so he would be transferred to the hospital by non-emergency transport. She recalled the nurse told her it seemed another resident might have attacked him. Resident #1's wife recalled she went right away to the hospital and when she arrived, he was unresponsive, and he never opened his eyes to look at her again. She said she was unable to talk to him again and he passed away six days later on 1/01/25. Resident #1's wife recalled the hospital physician told her that surgery and recovery could be complicated, so the best option for him was hospice to keep him comfortable, so he was transferred to inpatient hospice. She conveyed his death certificate said his death was undetermined and per the law enforcement detective she spoke with a few weeks ago, the autopsy report was still not released as it was still an active investigation. Review of a federal report filed by the facility on 12/26/24 at 8:24 PM, revealed the facility's Assistant Nursing Home Administrator (NHA). reported an incident that resulted in an allegation of serious bodily injury (fracture of left and right mandibular bone). The report contained information submitted by the facility which indicated the incident occurred the previous day on 12/25/24 at 9:40 PM, but staff became aware of the incident on 12/26/24 at 7:00 PM. The description of the incident/allegation included resident #1's roommate reported to the CNA that resident #2 was in the resident's room and had made contact with resident #1. The report described the CNA went to the room and observed resident #2 leaving the room with sheets from resident #1's bed. The document detailed that resident #1 was observed with skin discoloration the following morning, an x-ray was completed, and head-to-toe assessments were completed on both residents. Resident #2 was placed on one to one supervision and a psychiatric consult was ordered as well as lab work. Resident #1 was sent to the hospital by the physician for further evaluation and treatment. The summary of relevant records was added to the report on 12/31/24 at 11:39 AM, which revealed per review of the relevant resident records related to the incident, that resident #2 had behavior of wandering in and out of other residents' rooms. The facility noted both residents were cognitively impaired, and they did not verify the allegation as the facility reported there were no signs of mental anguish from either resident and no signs of pain upon assessment. The facility reported resident #2 lacked cognitive capacity so therefore could not have willful intent. On 3/10/25 at 5:06 PM, CNA A confirmed he was assigned to care for resident #1 on 12/25/24 on the 3 PM to 11 PM shift. He recalled on 12/25/24 he was sitting at the nurses' station on the locked Caring Way unit (400 hall) and LPN B was sitting near him. He conveyed that at approximately 9:40 PM, he observed resident #2 enter resident #1's room and shortly after that resident #1's roommate approached the nurses' station and said resident #2 was in his room on top of resident #1. CNA A said when he got to the room resident #2 was coming out with resident #1's sheets in his hands and kept walking towards his own room. CNA A explained he saw resident #1 lying on the bed with his feet hanging off, and he remembered the room was dark, so he had to use his phone light to see resident #1's face because the room lights were not working. He said he reported what happened to LPN B and asked her to go check on the residents. CNA A stated the nurse did not go to check on the residents, she scoffed and, kept doing what she was doing. He said he did not report this to anyone else such as a supervisor because he thought the LPN would report it. CNA A said he left the facility at the end of his shift around 11:00 PM that evening. He acknowledged he did not report the incident to anyone until his shift the next day on 12/26/24, when he was asked to provide a statement to the Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant NHA. CNA A recalled he did not see resident #1 again on 12/26/24, but he noticed resident #2 had a swollen hand and was not on one to one supervision. CNA A said he wanted to make sure the true details of what happened to resident #1 were known. He said he believed some staff members disliked him for telling the truth and because he, actually did his job and cared for the residents. Review of resident #1's medical record revealed there were no progress notes, or nursing assessments documenting the incident on 12/25/24 or 12/26/24, in either resident #1 or resident #2's medical record. A change in condition note was completed on 12/27/24 at 7:55 AM, by RN F and the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) which noted a change in skin color or condition, notification to APRN, and an order for STAT (without delay) labs and x-ray of face and cervical spine. A skin check with an effective date 12/26/24 at 8:12 AM, noted the resident had discoloration on both sides of his jaw, right side of his neck, and multiple discolorations in different stages on both arms. A pain assessment was also documented by late entry by the ADON and RN F with an effective date of 12/26/24 at 8:10 AM, which revealed the resident was, cognitively intact and has reported their acceptable or baseline level of pain, on a scale of 0-10, was a 0. The nurses documented resident #1 was unable to specify or could not answer the questions regarding his pain. A hospital transfer form was completed by RN F on 12/27/24 at approximately 6:31 PM, (almost 24 hours after resident #1 was sent to the hospital). The form noted he was transferred to the hospital on [DATE] at around 8:53 PM, due to abnormal x-ray, he required a proxy, was non ambulatory, had no active infections, and incorrectly noted no wounds or bruises present. An undated SBAR (Situation, Background, Appearance, and Review/Notify) Communication Form completed by RN F inaccurately noted the physician was notified of the transfer on 12/26/24 at 12:00 AM. On 3/11/25 at 10:17 AM, LPN B said in a phone interview that on 12/25/24 she worked a double shift from 7 AM to 11 PM, on the locked Caring Way unit with resident #1 and resident #2. She said she was familiar with both residents. LPN B recalled resident #2 was known to walk into other residents' rooms and caused problems with the other residents. LPN B said resident #2 was known to become aggressive, get into people's faces and grab things from other residents, especially after his family left from visiting. She explained between herself and the other nursing staff they would have to distract him when they saw him going into other resident rooms, but he was not easily redirected. They had to constantly watch him. LPN B recounted on 12/25/24 at about 9:40 PM, she was passing medications on the unit and was not at the nurses' station. She said she did not witness resident #2 enter or exit resident #1's room nor did she see resident #1's roommate come to the nursing station. LPN B denied that CNA A reported any incidents to her at any time during the shift. LPN B said she saw resident #1 a few times that night and he received medications sometime around 10 PM with no issues. She said she did not notice any injuries and he did not appear to be in any discomfort. LPN B confirmed she did not know of the incident until she received a call from the Assistant NHA asking for her statement sometime later on 12/26/24. She stated for any incident suspicious for abuse, staff were supposed to follow the process and report it to the on-call supervisor, perform a head-to-toe assessment and document the findings. LPN B acknowledged she worked with one other nurse to cover the memory care unit that night, and did not explain how she could see everything that happened on the unit if she was passing medications or working on the other side of the Caring Way unit. Review of resident #1's Medication Audit Report for December 2024 and according to LPN B's documentation, he received Trazadone 100 mg at 9:47 PM. No other medications were given to resident #1 by LPN B that evening. On 3/11/24 at 10:58 AM, RN F, in an interview conducted in Spanish per RN F's request, she stated that on 12/26/24 she worked a double shift from 7 AM to 11 PM on the locked memory care unit. RN F stated she felt it was difficult to perform her job safely because they were not able to provide enough supervision of the residents. She explained they typically had five CNAs working on the unit for 60 confused residents and when residents had behaviors like entering other residents' rooms they tried to offer them snacks or food to distract them but many of them were not redirectable. RN F recalled at the start of her shift that morning she was informed by CNA E of the bruise on resident #1's face. She remembered she assessed the resident along with CNA E and the overnight nurse, LPN D and noticed he had bruising around his face and on his neck. RN F said she notified the APRN at approximately 7:30 AM of the bruises but acknowledged at that time she was not aware of CNA A's observation and allegation of possible resident-to-resident abuse. She said she began to complete her usual assessments and documentation and was unsure what time she called resident #1's wife to tell her about the bruise on his face. RN F stated the resident's wife arrived around the same time as the APRN, and x-rays were ordered. She said she believed this occurred because there was not enough staff working on that unit to provide supervision for the residents who were constantly wandering. On 3/11/24 at 11:18 AM, CNA E recalled that on 12/26/24 resident #1 had difficulty eating and opening his mouth during morning care that day. She remembered when she started doing room rounds at approximately 7:15 AM, she went to resident #1's room, which was the last room at the end of the hall. She recalled resident #1's bed was by the window, but she could see the bruise on his cheek from the doorway. She said she did not recall seeing the bruise when she left the previous day on 12/25/24. She informed RN F and the night shift nurse, LPN D, and they went to see him. CNA E recalled the resident had bruises on both sides of his face, by his chin area and on his neck, (see photo evidence obtained). LPN D told them she had not witnessed any incidents during her shift and had not seen any bruising on his face previously. CNA E said she was unable to put resident #1's dentures in his mouth that morning because he could not open his mouth, and he did not want to eat all day. She recalled that on 12/25/24, resident #1's brother was at the facility during lunch time and resident #1 did not want to eat and was very tired. His brother asked for him to be put to bed so she brought his lunch tray into the room and his brother offered to try to feed him. She said when the brother left, the tray was still untouched. Review of the Documentation Survey Report for December 2024, revealed that on 12/25/24 the assigned CNA documented resident #1 was not available for breakfast and lunch but for dinner he had 0% intake of food and refused fluids. On 3/11/24 at 12:50 PM, LPN D said she was the assigned nurse for resident #1 on 12/25/24 on the 11 PM to 7 AM shift. She said she received report from the nurse that resident #2 was doing his usual wandering in and out of rooms all night, but was not told of any incidents. She did not recall any issues with resident #1's face and said she did not give him any medications during her shift. LPN D said she became aware of the bruising to the resident's face at the end of her shift by CNA E. She recalled at approximately 7:30 AM she went to see him with CNA E and RN F, and he had bruises on both sides of his face and neck. She acknowledged resident #2 was not placed on one to one supervision until the late afternoon of 12/26/24 after the facility was made aware of the allegation by CNA A of resident-to-resident assault towards resident #1. LPN D recalled resident #2 continued to be on one to one supervision until 12/29/24 when he was transferred to the hospital. LPN D acknowledged if she had been told of the incident during report that night she would have known to provide closer supervision for resident #2 to prevent any further incidents. On 3/11/25 at 12:39 PM, the APRN said in a phone interview that she received a call sometime in the morning of 12/26/24 from RN F saying that she found a bruise on resident #1's cheek. She said she evaluated resident #1 at approximately 11:40 AM and his wife was at the bedside. The APRN recalled he had a small bruise to the left cheek and another to the right cheek and neck, but said he did not appear to be in distress. She ordered an x-ray of his face, blood work, and UA to rule out infection. She said she called the East Coast UM to inform her of resident #1's bruising and x-ray order but was not aware of any reported incident of abuse at that time. She did not recall having any other conversations about resident #1, until she received a call later that day from the nurse reporting the fractured jaw and elevated WBCs. The APRN said she gave orders to transfer him to the hospital for further evaluation due to elevated WBCs, but she knew they would not be able to do anything about his broken jaw. Review of resident #1's radiology report dated 12/26/24 at 3:53 PM, reviewed on 12/26/24 at 9:44 PM, revealed an x-ray of the facial bones and cervical spine had been done at around 2:45 PM and results were reported at around 3:53 PM. The reason for the exam was due to swollen cheek and neck. The cervical spine showed scoliosis, mild degenerative osteoarthritic changes but no acute fractures. The face showed an acute fracture of the right and left mandible (lower jaw) at the junction of the body and symphysis with mild distraction but without significant angulation, accompanied by soft tissue swelling and possible acute bilateral frontal sinusitis. Review of the hospital radiology report dated 12/26/24 for a computed tomography (CT) of the facial bones revealed the reason for the exam was unknown trauma and jaw bruising. The findings included moderately displaced bilateral (both sides) anterior (towards the back) mandibular ramus fracture which appeared acute, without evidence of underlying lesion or callus. A CT of the head performed the same day included findings of no lytic (localized loss of bone tissue) or blastic (new bone growth) abnormalities were demonstrated. The hospital Emergency Department (ED) physician assessment dated [DATE] indicated resident #1's injuries were suspicious for non-accidental trauma, physical abuse or neglect. The ED physician's note indicated he was told by the resident's wife on 12/26/24 that she was informed that another facility resident physically assaulted her husband last night in bed. The mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the face, which forms the lower jawline. Mandibular fractures typically occur in two places, the parasymphysis (front of the jaw) and the condylar neck (the portion of the jaw that connect to the joint of the jaw). A mandibular ramus fracture is a fracture to the flat part of the jaw bone located at the back portion on each side of the face. This type of fracture is usually due to trauma including interpersonal violence/assault, motor vehicle accident, falls, and sports activities. A mandibular ramus fracture is rare, and a pathological (due to underlying disease) mandibular fracture is even more rare, accounting for less than 2% of all mandibular fractures. Pathological fractures usually follow surgical interventions such as third molar removal, infection of the jaw bones, tumors or severe bone loss due to certain medications called bisphosphonates or radiation. External signs of a fracture in this area include a displaced or elongated mandible and the skin may show hematoma or ecchymosis (bruising). A two-dimensional x-ray may not give an accurate picture of the fracture, but a CT scan is better at identifying fractures and provided a better image quality to decrease the chance of an interpretation error. The most common complication of this type of fracture was infection, especially if there was a prolonged time prior to treatment, (retrieved on 3/25/25 from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Broken lower jawbones are painful and may affect your breathing. You need immediate medical care if you break your jaw, and you may need surgery if it is a severe fracture. A broken jawbone is a medical emergency regardless of what part of your jawbone is broken. You may notice your jaw or cheek are bruised, or swollen, and you may not be able to close your mouth or open it wide. It would be painful when you chew food or talk, it may look like you have swelling or bruising to the jaw or cheek. A broken jaw may affect your ability to eat, speak or breathe, and may take weeks to heal even if surgery is not required (retrieved on 2/26/25 from www.myclevelandclinic.org). On 3/10/25 at 2:46 PM, the facility's reportable log for December 2024 was reviewed with the NHA, Assistant NHA, and DON. The NHA stated she was the facility's Risk Manager but at the time of the reportable incident, on 12/26/24, the Assistant NHA performed the role, and the DON was the Abuse Coordinator. The Assistant NHA said she first learned of the incident on 12/26/24 at about 3:30 PM, when she was notified by staff that an x-ray result for resident #1 showed he had sustained a fractured jaw. She said she alerted the DON, who was not at the facility that day, but arrived at approximately 4:00 PM. The Assistant NHA said although she was the Risk Manager, she was not made aware of the discoloration found on resident #1's face that morning by CNA E and RN F. The DON and Assistant NHA said they became involved in the investigation at that point, when the DON arrived and started gathering witness statements from the previous night's staff. They said CNA A worked the 3 PM to 11 PM shift on 12/25/24 and was interviewed in person by the DON and Assistant NHA on 12/26/24. They said at that time they learned of his allegation of a possible resident-to-resident incident that occurred the previous evening of 12/25/24. They said, CNA A's statement indicated he, ran down the hallway to escort [resident #2 name] personally. When I arrived to the room [resident #1's name] legs were halfway off the bed and I proceeded to fix him and ask if he was ok because [resident #2 name] took his blankets and dragged them, which he also put me in a headlock where I had to receive help from a co-worker to get him off of me which I reported to the nurse. The Assistant NHA said that LPN B assessed resident #1 that evening and did not notice any injuries. The Assistant NHA was unable to provide documentation of any assessment completed by LPN B that evening. The DON acknowledged there was no documentation of the incident, or report of the allegations made by the CNA, nor any head-to-toe assessment documented by the nurse. The DON said the nurse did not document because she did not notice any injuries to resident #1, and resident #2 was at his baseline always going in and out of other resident rooms. She explained it was normal for residents in the locked unit to wander in and out of other residents' rooms because they had dementia. The DON said, Because the fracture was not treatable there was no need to send the resident out [to the hospital] but because of his elevated blood count he was sent out and the wife agreed. They were unable to provide documentation to show any assessments completed that night for resident #1 or #2. They said they interviewed LPN B by phone, who had worked a double shift on 12/25/24 from 7 AM to 11 PM. LPN B told them that on the morning of 12/25/24 there had been no issues with resident #1 except he was sleepy during lunch and his family asked for him to be put in bed. She said his family stayed until early to mid-evening and she gave him medication at approximately 10:00 PM. He did not complain of pain, was not in any distress, and fell back to sleep. They explained LPN B checked on him again at around 10:30 PM and he was still sleeping comfortably. The Assistant NHA said the 11 PM to 7 AM staff were interviewed and both the CNA and LPN gave the same statement. CNA C and LPN D said they provided incontinence care for resident #1 at approximately 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM on 12/26/24 and they did not notice any injuries to the resident at that time. LPN D told them resident #1 did not receive any medications during her shift, and she first became aware of the discoloration prior to leaving on 12/26/24 when she was asked to go to his room by the morning nurse and CNA. She said she noticed that he had a discoloration to the left side of his jaw. The Assistant NHA said that resident #1's roommate was interviewed on 12/26/24 but he did not recall the incident or what he reported to CNA A. Both the DON and Assistant NHA confirmed they had not been notified on 12/25/24 regarding CNA A's allegations of a possible resident-to-resident incident. They confirmed LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A regarding resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room, the roommate's allegation about the attack, nor of him being put in a headlock by resident #2. The Assistant NHA explained CNA E was the first one who noticed resident #1's injuries on 12/26/24 during her morning rounds at approximately 7:30 AM. She told them in her statement she saw the discoloration to one side of his face and notified RN F and LPN D. They stated RN F called the APRN who was already at the facility doing rounds that morning and called resident #1's wife at approximately 8:30 AM to notify her of the bruises. They said a head-to-toe assessment was done and they started completing the incident report. The Assistant NHA and DON explained at around 11:40 AM (four hours after the bruises were first noticed and reported) the APRN evaluated resident #1 with his wife at the bedside. They said at that time the APRN ordered an x-ray of the resident's face, labs, and a UA to rule out a UTI. The x-ray and labs results were obtained at approximately 3:30 PM which confirmed he had a broken jaw and elevated WBCs. The Assistant NHA and DON said the APRN was notified shortly after that time, and an order was given for him to be transferred to the hospital via non-emergency transport for further evaluation. The Assistant NHA and DON said they notified DCF, who did not accept the case, and law enforcement at approximately 8:00 PM and completed their immediate reporting to the State Agency. They said resident #1 was transported to the hospital at approximately 8:30 PM and his wife was notified. The DON said resident #2 was placed on one to one supervision at that time on 12/26/24 as a preventative measure during the investigation to keep other residents safe. They confirmed resident #2 had behaviors such as wandering into other resident rooms and he could become aggressive after family visited but said he had never attacked another resident. They stated staff education on abuse/neglect was initiated on 12/26/24 in an abundance of caution. The Assistant NHA said they were unable to verify the allegations made by CNA A because no other staff could corroborate the story and resident #1's roommate could not recall making the allegations. They explained LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A that night regarding the incident and there were no injuries noted on resident #1. The Assistant NHA said the investigation was concluded on 12/31/24 with no conclusive explanation for resident #1's injuries. Review of the lab results of 12/26/24 revealed resident #1's WBCs were 13.49 out of a range of 3.90 (low) to 11.20 (high). Review of resident #1's mobile radiology report revealed the x ray results were reported to the facility on [DATE] at 3:53 PM. On 12/26/24 at 6:40 PM, a standard phone order was given by the APRN to send resident #1 to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, almost three hours after the jaw fractures were reported to the facility. Review of the hospital's inpatient hospice unit notes dated 12/27/24 revealed resident #1 was sent to the hospital due to being abused by another resident with cognitive issues. He had two fractures to his jaw and bruising as a result of the abuse and there was an open investigation regarding the lack of supervision to keep him safe. The note indicated his wife was very upset and angry as a result of his injuries because she had been reluctant to send him back to the facility after his last hospital admission but there was no other place that would offer him placement. A hospice note dated 12/30/24 revealed resident #1 was laying on his left side and had oral secretions draining. His breathing was slightly labored, and his tongue obstructed his airway along with the secretions. The note indicated resident #1 was actively dying and his wife was emotionally distraught by the attack on her husband at the facility by another resident. 2. Review of the medical record revealed resident #2, a [AGE] year-old male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] from an in-patient psychiatric hospital with diagnoses that included Alzheimer's Disease, major depressive disorder, recurrent severe, anxiety disorder, cognitive impairment, mild neurocognitive disorder, hypermobility syndrome, and affective mood disorder with other behavioral disturbance. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly Assessment with Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 12/29/24 noted resident #2 was rarely/never understood and unable to complete the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). Staff assessed the resident had short-term and long-term memory problems, his cognitive skills for daily decision making were severely impaired, and no acute mental status changes occurred. For 4 to 6 d[TRUNCATED]
CRITICAL (J) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation

Investigate Abuse (Tag F0610)

Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to conduct an accurate and thorough investigation related to an allegat...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to conduct an accurate and thorough investigation related to an allegation of resident to resident physical abuse of a vulnerable, cognitively impaired resident, (#1), failed to investigate an injury of unknown origin for the same event when abuse was not substantiated, including completely and thoroughly documenting investigative findings, to ensure the safety of all vulnerable residents on the memory care unit. This failure contributed to resident #1's injury, transfer to a higher level of care where he died 6 days later. Per the facility's 5-Day report to the state agency, on 12/26/24 at approximately 4:00 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A reported to administrative staff that during his shift, the previous day, on 12/25/24 at approximately 9:40 PM, resident #1's roommate reported to him he had seen resident #2 in their room, making contact with resident #1. CNA A went to the room and observed resident #2 exiting with resident #1's bed sheets. The next morning on 12/26/24 staff reported discoloration to resident #1's face to the provider so an x-ray and lab work were ordered. The x-ray revealed fractures of the left and right jaw. Head-to-toe assessments and pain evaluations were reported to be completed on both residents. Resident #2 was put on one-to-one observation, and psychiatry was consulted. Notification to the physician, resident representatives, law enforcement, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) were completed. The facility concluded the allegations were not verified because there was no, mental anguish for either of the residents. The facility reported resident #2 lacked the cognitive capacity for willful intent. The facility's failure to complete a thorough investigation, maintain accurate records of investigative findings, and ensure appropriate corrective actions were implemented, placed resident #1 and other cognitively impaired residents that resided in the memory care unit at risk for physical abuse and neglect. Resident #1 passed away on 1/01/25 of unknown causes and death is under investigation with DCF and law enforcement at the time of this survey. This failure resulted in Immediate Jeopardy starting on 12/25/24. There were a total of 60 current residents that resided in the memory care unit. Findings: Cross Reference F600 and F835 Resident #1, an [AGE] year-old male, was initially admitted to the facility from an acute care hospital on [DATE] with diagnoses that included repeated falls, and adult failure to thrive. He was transferred to the hospital from the facility on 11/16/24 due to unresponsiveness and was treated for pneumonia and admitted to hospice services for senile degeneration of the brain. He was readmitted to the facility on [DATE] with additional diagnoses including palliative care, congestive heart failure, dementia, pain, and long-term use of anticoagulants. Review of the Discharge Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], revealed he had severe cognitive impairment, required supervision for eating, and substantial to maximum assistance for all activities of daily living (ADLs). He exhibited behaviors such as physical and verbal aggression towards others, and rejection of care. Review of the facility's Reportable Incidents Log from October 2024 to December 2024 revealed there was a physical abuse allegation that involved resident #1 and #2 on 12/26/24. On 3/10/25 at 2:46 PM, the facility's reportable log for December 2024 was reviewed with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA), Assistant NHA, and the Director of Nursing (DON). The NHA stated she was the facility's Risk Manager but at the time of the reportable incident, on 12/26/24, the Assistant NHA performed the role, and the DON was the Abuse Coordinator. The Assistant NHA said she first learned of the incident on 12/26/24 at about 3:30 PM, when she was notified by staff that an x-ray result for resident #1 showed he had sustained a fractured jaw. She said she alerted the DON, who was not at the facility that day, but arrived at approximately 4:00 PM. The Assistant NHA said although she was the Risk Manager, she was not made aware of the discoloration found on resident #1's face that morning by CNA E and Registered Nurse (RN) F. The DON and Assistant NHA said they became involved in the investigation at that point, when the DON arrived and started gathering witness statements from the previous night's staff. They said CNA A worked the 3 PM -11 PM shift on 12/25/24 and was interviewed in person by the DON and Assistant NHA on 12/26/24. They said at that time they learned of his allegation of a possible resident-to-resident incident that occurred the previous evening of 12/25/24. They said, CNA A's statement indicated he, ran down the hallway to escort [resident #2 name] personally. When I arrived to the room [resident #1's name] legs were halfway off the bed and I proceeded to fix him and ask if he was ok because [resident #2 name] took his blankets and dragged them, which (when) he also put me in a headlock where I had to receive help from a co-worker to get him off of me which I reported to the nurse. The Assistant NHA said that Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) B assessed resident #1 that evening and did not notice any injuries. The Assistant NHA was unable to provide documentation of any assessment completed by LPN B that evening. The DON acknowledged there was no documentation of the incident in the medical record, or report of the allegations made by the CNA, nor any head-to-toe assessment documented by the nurse. The DON explained the nurse did not document an assessment because she did not notice any injuries to resident #1 and resident #2 was at his baseline always going in and out of other resident rooms. She did not answer how anyone would know resident #1's assessment was within normal limits or even performed as the nurse alleged, if there was not an assessment documented at all. The DON explained it was normal for residents in the locked unit to wander in and out of other residents' rooms because they had dementia. In regard to why resident #1 was not sent out to the hospital immediately when the fractures were known, the DON explained, Because the fracture was not treatable there was no need to send the resident out [to the hospital] but because of his elevated blood count he was sent out and the wife agreed. The DON, and Adminstrator were unable to provide documentation to show any assessments completed that night on resident #1 or #2. They said they interviewed LPN B by phone, who had worked a double shift on 12/25/24 from 7 AM to 11 PM. LPN B told them that on the morning of 12/25/24 there had been no issues with resident #1 except he was sleepy during lunch and his family asked for him to be put in bed. She said his family stayed until early to mid-evening and she gave him medication at approximately 10:00 PM. He did not complain of pain, was not in any distress, and fell back to sleep. They explained LPN B checked on him again at around 10:30 PM and he was still sleeping comfortably. The Assistant NHA said the 11 PM-7 AM staff were interviewed and both the CNA and LPN gave the same statement. CNA C and LPN D said they provided incontinence care for resident #1 at approximately 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM on 12/26/24 and said they did not notice any injuries to the resident at that time. LPN D told them resident #1 did not receive any medications during her shift, and she first became aware of the discoloration prior to leaving on 12/26/24 when she was asked to go to his room by the morning nurse and CNA. She said she noticed that he had a discoloration to the left side of his jaw. The Assistant NHA said that resident #1's roommate was interviewed on 12/26/24 but he did not recall the incident or what he reported to CNA A. Both the DON and Assistant NHA confirmed they had not been notified on 12/25/24 regarding CNA A's allegations of a possible resident-to-resident incident. They confirmed LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A regarding resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room, the roommate's allegation about the attack, nor of him being put in a headlock by resident #2. The Assistant NHA explained CNA E was the first one who noticed resident #1's injuries on 12/26/24 during her morning rounds at approximately 7:30 AM. She told them in her statement she saw the discoloration to one side of his face and notified RN F and LPN D. They stated RN F called the Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who was already at the facility doing rounds that morning and called resident #1's wife at approximately 8:30 AM to notify her of the bruises. They said a head-to-toe assessment was done and they started completing the incident report. The Assistant NHA and DON explained at around 11:40 AM (four hours after the bruises were first noticed and reported) the APRN evaluated resident #1 with his wife at the bedside. They said at that time the APRN ordered an x-ray of the resident's face, labs, and a UA to rule out a UTI. The x-ray and labs results were obtained at approximately 3:30 PM which confirmed he had a broken jaw and elevated white blood count (WBC)s. The Assistant NHA and DON said the APRN was notified shortly after that time, and an order was given for him to be transferred to the hospital via non-emergency transport for further evaluation. The Assistant NHA and DON said they notified DCF, who did not accept the case, and law enforcement then completed their immediate reporting to the State Agency at approximately 8:00 PM, almost 24 hours after CNA A alleged the resident-to-resident abuse occurred, approximately 13 hours after resident #1's injuries were first reported by CNA E, and almost four and a half hours after the fractures were identified. The Assistant NHA and DON said resident #1's wife was notified, and he was transported to the hospital at approximately 8:30 PM, approximately 5 hours after the fractures were first identified. The DON said resident #2 was placed on one-to-one supervision at that time on 12/26/24 as a preventative measure during the investigation to keep other residents safe. They confirmed resident #2 had behaviors such as wandering into other resident rooms and he could become aggressive after family visited but said he had never attacked another resident. The Assistant NHA said they were unable to verify the allegations made by CNA A because no other staff could corroborate the story and resident #1's roommate could not recall making the allegations. They explained LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A that night regarding the incident and per her statement there were no injuries noted on resident #1. The Assistant NHA said the investigation was concluded on 12/31/24 with no conclusive explanation for resident #1's injuries. She did not say why they did not investigate to determine the cause of resident #1's injuries at that time if they did not find a likely reason for resident #1's injuries. Review of the lab results of 12/26/24 revealed resident #1's WBCs were 13.49 out of a range of 3.90 (low) to 11.20 (high). Review of resident #1's mobile radiology report revealed the x ray results were reported to the facility on [DATE] at 3:53 PM. On 12/26/24 at 6:40 PM, a standard phone order was given by the APRN to send resident #1 to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, almost three hours after the jaw fractures were reported to the facility. In a progress note dated 12/26/24 at 8:53 PM, RN G documented APRN notified of lab results, resident transferred to the local hospital. Another progress note by RN G dated 12/26/24 at 9:43 PM, indicated the x-ray results were reviewed with the APRN, and the resident was at the hospital. Broken lower jawbones are painful and may affect your breathing. You need immediate medical care if you break your jaw, and you may need surgery if it is a severe fracture. A broken jawbone is a medical emergency regardless of what part of your jawbone is broken. You may notice your jaw or cheek are bruised, or swollen, and you may not be able to close your mouth or open it wide, (retrieved on 2/26/25 from www.myclevelandclinic.org). In a telephone interview on 3/10/25 at 4:38 PM, resident #1's wife stated her husband was admitted to the facility because she was unable to care for him at home due to his dementia. She explained he was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] but was hospitalized again shortly afterwards. Resident #1's wife explained she requested the hospital not return him to the facility, but he had to return on 11/27/24, as the hospital was unable to find a suitable bed elsewhere. She said she and the resident's brother would visit him almost daily. Resident #1's wife stated she felt there was a safety issue at the facility. She said in the lunchroom several family members saw a man and a woman fight while two staff members sat on the floor, each looking at their phones instead of observing the residents. She explained she mentioned to staff at least three times to put their phones down and pay attention to the residents before something happened. Resident #1's wife relayed this was why she was trying to transfer her husband to another facility in the area. She recalled on 12/26/24 she received a call from the facility at approximately 8:30 AM, informing her of discoloration found on her husband's face. She was told at that time they did not know what had happened but believed it might have been caused by the bedrail. She recalled she had not seen her husband's injuries yet, so she did not argue with their explanation at that time. Resident #1's wife said she remembered when she arrived at the facility she was surprised at the extent of the bruising on her husband's face and neck because it was worse than she imagined. She said the APRN, the nurse, and another staff member whose name she could not recall were there and the APRN said she would order an X-ray of his face and lab work. She said she told them at that time she did not believe this was caused by the bed rails because of how bad his face looked. Resident #1's wife explained she was told they did not know what happened to him, but they would investigate. She said she left the facility around 4:00 PM, and received a phone call at approximately 8:30 PM letting her know the x-ray showed he had a broken jaw and lab work indicated he had elevated WBC so he would be transferred to the hospital by non-emergency transport. She recalled the nurse told her it seemed another resident might have attacked him. Resident #1's wife recalled she went right away to the hospital and when she arrived, he was unresponsive, and he never opened his eyes to look at her again. She said she was unable to talk to him again and he passed away six days later on 1/01/25. Resident #1's wife recalled the hospital physician told her that surgery and recovery could be complicated due to his age and medical history, so the best option for him was hospice to keep him comfortable. He was transferred to inpatient hospice. She recalled she told the staff present; this was not the bedrails that caused this because of the extent of his wounds. She said she was upset and left the facility but took pictures of his face to keep as proof. On 3/10/25 at 5:06 PM, CNA A said that on 12/25/24 he was sitting at the nurses' station on the Caring Way unit (400 hall locked unit) and LPN B was sitting with him. At around 9:40 PM he observed resident #2 enter resident #1's room and shortly after that resident #1's roommate went to the nurses' station and said he saw resident #2 in his room on top of resident #1. CNA A said when he got to the room resident #2 was coming out with resident #1's sheets in his hands and kept walking towards his room. Resident #1 was lying with his feet hanging off the bed and he had to use his phone light to see resident #1's face because the room lights were not working. He said he reported what he saw to the nurse and told her to go check on both residents, but she scoffed and just kept doing what she was doing. He did not go above the nurse and report to a supervisor because he expected her to do it. He reported the incident to the DON and ANHA on 12/26/24 sometime in the evening. CNA A said he did not recall seeing resident #1 when he returned for his shift on 12/26/24, but he saw resident #2 had a swollen hand and was not on 1:1 supervision. He recalled other incidents involving resident #2 including him exiting the facility during the 3-11 PM shift and CNA A and another staff member attempting to get him back, and resident #2 punching a pregnant CNA in the stomach. He said he was not sure if these incidents had been reported but staff had been reporting his aggressive behaviors to administration, but nothing was done. On 3/10/25 at 5:06 PM, CNA A confirmed he was assigned to care for resident #1 on 12/25/24 on the 3 PM to 11 PM shift. He recalled on 12/25/24 he was sitting at the nurses' station on the locked Caring Way unit (400 hall) and LPN B was sitting near him. He conveyed that at approximately 9:40 PM, he observed resident #2 enter resident #1's room and shortly after that resident #1's roommate approached the nurses' station and said resident #2 was in his room on top of resident #1. CNA A said when he got to the room resident #2 was coming out with resident #1's sheets in his hands and kept walking towards his own room. CNA A explained he saw resident #1 lying on the bed with his feet hanging off, and he remembered the room was dark, so he had to use his phone light to see resident #1's face because the room lights were not working. He said he reported what happened to LPN B and asked her to go check on the residents. CNA A stated the nurse did not go to check on the residents, she scoffed and, kept doing what she was doing. He said he did not report this to anyone else such as a supervisor because he thought the LPN would report it. CNA A said he left the facility at the end of his shift around 11:00 PM that evening. He acknowledged he did not report the incident to anyone until during his shift the next day on 12/26/24, when he was asked to provide a statement to the Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant Nursing Home Administrator (NHA). CNA A recalled he did not see resident #1 again on 12/26/24, but he noticed resident #2 had a swollen hand and was not on 1:1 supervision. CNA A said he wanted to make sure the true details of what happened to resident #1 were known. He said he believed some staff members disliked him for telling the truth and because he actually did his job and cared for the residents. On 3/11/25 at 10:17 AM, LPN B said in a phone interview that on 12/25/24 she worked a double shift from 7 AM to 11 PM, on the locked Caring Way unit with resident #1 and resident #2. She said she was familiar with both residents. LPN B recalled resident #2 was known to walk into other residents' rooms and caused problems with the other residents. LPN B said resident #2 was known to become aggressive, get into people's faces and grab things from other residents, especially after his family left from visiting. She explained between herself and the other nursing staff they would have to distract him when they saw him going into other resident rooms, but he was not easily redirected. They had to constantly watch him. LPN B recounted on 12/25/24 at about 9:40 PM, she was passing medications on the unit and was not at the nurses' station. She said she did not witness resident #2 enter or exit resident #1's room nor did she see resident #1's roommate come to the nursing station. LPN B denied that CNA A reported any incidents to her at any time during the shift. LPN B said she saw resident #1 a few times that night and he received medications sometime around 10 PM with no issues. She said she did not notice any injuries and he did not appear to be in any discomfort, but acknowledged she did not document these findings. LPN B confirmed she did not know of the incident until she received a call from the Assistant NHA asking for her statement sometime later on 12/26/24. She stated for any incident of suspicious abuse, staff were supposed to follow the process and report it to the on-call supervisor, perform a head-to-toe assessment and document the findings. LPN B acknowledged she worked with one other nurse to cover the memory care unit that night, and did not explain how she could see everything that happened on the unit if she was passing medications or working on the other side of the Caring Way unit. Review of resident #1's Medication Audit Report for December 2024 and per LPN B's documentation he received Trazadone 100 milligrams for depression at or around 9:47 PM. On 3/11/24 at 12:50 PM, LPN D said she was the assigned nurse for resident #1 on 12/25/24 on the 11 PM to 7 AM shift. She said she received report from the nurse that resident #2 was doing his usual wandering in and out of rooms all night, but was not told of any incidents. LPN D acknowledged resident #2 was not placed on one-to-one supervision, until the late afternoon of 12/26/24 after the facility was made aware of the fracture and allegation by CNA A of resident-to-resident assault towards resident #1. LPN D recalled resident #2 continued to be on one-to-one supervision until 12/29/24 when he was transferred to the hospital. The nurse acknowledged if she had been told of the incident during report that night she would have known to provide closer supervision for resident #2 to ensure there were no further incidents. In telephone interviews on 3/11/25 at 8:57 AM and again on 3/12/25 at 7:50 PM, resident #2's son recalled he was told by a nurse while visiting his father on Christmas day that his father had attacked another resident. He explained he had spoken with other nurses at the facility after that, and they were all aware of the incident between his father and the other resident (#1), but no one would say they had witnessed anything. He said his father was eventually transferred to the hospital on [DATE]. At the hospital they found bruises on both of his arms and a cut on the elbow that looked infected, which he did not know the origin of. The son recalled other incidents including when his father being attacked after he wandered into another resident's room and took some cookies. Another incident his mother witnessed when his father was grabbed by another resident and choked, and another incident with that same resident, his father was bitten on the hand, which he said he had pictures of. Resident #2's son stated he was not aware of any reports or investigations by the facility related to those incidents even though staff were present. On 3/11/25 at 11:18 AM, CNA E stated she worked the 7 AM to 3 PM shift on 12/26/24 and was the first person to see and report the discoloration to resident #1's face. She reported it to RN F at approximately 7:30 AM. During morning care on 12/26/24, resident #1 was unable to open his mouth for his dentures. He did not want to eat his meals that day but also remembered that he did not want to eat the previous day, 12/25/24 when his brother and wife visited. In a second phone interview on 3/13/25 at 12:20 PM, resident #1's wife recalled she had been at the facility Christmas day, 12/25/24 at approximately 11:15 AM and her brother-in-law arrived a little later. She conveyed that when she arrived, they had her husband sitting up in the dining room of the Caring Way unit and were getting ready to serve him lunch. His lunch tray arrived but he did not want to eat it. She said he did not have any noticeable injuries on his face at that time and was not complaining of any pain but was very sleepy. In a phone interview on 3/15/25 at 8:41 AM, resident #1's brother explained he visited the facility Christmas day, 12/25/24 with his brother's wife. He did not notice any injuries on his brother's face at that time. He was sitting in his wheelchair in the dining room of Caring Way unit with lunch tray in front of him. The brother explained the resident usually required only prompting to eat but was able to feed himself. They attempted to feed the resident, but he would not eat the food. They told the assigned CNA to lay him down since he was very sleepy, and she brought the tray to the room to see if he would eat his Christmas lunch at some point. The CNA left the tray at the bedside, but he said his brother was not interested in eating. He said he left the facility at around 5:00 PM. Review of the Documentation Survey Report for December 2024, revealed that on 12/25/24 the assigned CNA erroneously documented resident #1 was not available for breakfast and lunch but for dinner he had 0% intake of food and refused fluids. On 12/26/24 the CNA documented that he ate 25% of his breakfast, 50% of his lunch, and 25 % of his dinner, in conflict with resident #1's wife's statement that he did not eat that day. On 3/11/24 at 10:58 AM, RN F in an interview conducted in Spanish per RN F's request, she stated on 12/26/24 she worked a double shift from 7 AM to 11 PM on the locked memory care unit. RN F recalled at the start of her shift that morning she was informed by CNA E of the bruise on resident #1's face. She remembered she went to his room and assessed the resident along with CNA E and the overnight nurse, LPN D, and noticed he had bruising around his face and on his neck. RN F said she notified the APRN at approximately 7:30 AM, of the bruises but acknowledged at that time she was not aware of CNA A's observation and allegation of possible resident-to-resident abuse. RN F stated the resident's wife arrived at the facility after she was notified, around the same time as the APRN, and an x-ray was ordered. On 3/11/25 at 12:39 PM, the APRN said in a phone interview that she received a call sometime in the morning of 12/26/24 from RN F to report a bruise on resident #1's cheek. She said she evaluated resident #1 at approximately 11:40 AM and his wife was at the bedside. The APRN recalled he had a small bruise to the left cheek and another to the right cheek and neck, but said he did not appear to be in any distress. She ordered an x-ray of his face, blood work, and urinalysis (UA) to rule out infection. She said she called the East Coast Unit Manager (UM) to inform her of resident #1's bruising and x-ray order but was not aware of any reported incident of abuse at that time. She did not recall having any other conversations about resident #1, until she received a call later that day from the nurse reporting the fractured jaw and elevated WBC. The APRN said she gave orders to transfer him to the hospital for further evaluation due to the elevated WBCs, but she knew they would not be able to do anything about his broken jaw. On 3/11/25 at 4:02 PM, in a second interview with the Assistant NHA, DON, [NAME] President of Operations, and Regional Nurse Consultant (RNC), the Assistant NHA stated that CNA A's allegations were not corroborated by any other staff member. She explained they did not have an Ad Hoc Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting in person but held a phone conference with the Medical Director to inform him of what they knew at that time. The Assistant NHA said during the scheduled monthly QAPI meeting in January they discussed what happened in December. She explained the Medical Director was made aware of the fracture once they received the results of the x-ray sometime after 3:00 PM on 12/26/24. The Assistant NHA stated they concluded the allegations that resident #1 was injured by resident #2 were not verified. She verified no call was made to resident #2's representative to report a change in condition on 12/26/24 when he was placed on one to one supervision and psychiatry was consulted nor of the allegation resident #2 was the aggressor in the incident with resident #1. On 3/12/25 at 10:36 AM, in another interview with the DON, Assistant NHA, NHA, RNC, East Coast UM, and the Assistant DON, the DON stated she was unable to give a timeline of when the events happened because she was not made aware of the allegations until after the x-ray results had resulted. The DON stated that the UM was the first person notified by the nurse of the discoloration on the morning of 12/26/24. The UM said that she did not speak with the nurse on 12/26/24 about the incident because she had spoken to the APRN. The UM recalled she received a call from the APRN at approximately 11:40 AM to inform her of resident #1's discoloration and x-ray order. The UM then called the Assistant DON, who was not at work and the Assistant NHA about the discoloration to resident #1's cheek. The DON explained CNA E, the day shift CNA was not interviewed right away, and she was the first person to see the discoloration. The DON explained the expectation was for all staff to report all incidents to their supervisor in a timely manner. The ADON said she did not remember receiving a call from UM about resident #1's bruises. The UM stated she called the ADON and spoke with her but could not recall the details of the conversation as it had not been documented. The ADON said she was unsure when she learned about the incident and had no documentation about it. The UM stated that RN F started writing the incident report at approximately 7:31 AM, but a resident assessment was not started until 9:00 AM. The UM said she started interviews at approximately 11:40 AM, (approximately 4 hours after the bruising was reported), starting with RN F. The Assistant NHA said they submitted their immediate report after speaking with CNA A, but corrected herself and said they should have just filed immediately for injury of unknown origin. Although the facility was unable to provide a root cause, accurate documentation of the events or a timeline of events, the RNC stated she felt they had done a thorough investigation. On 3/13/25 at 2:20 PM, in a joint interview with the Assistant NHA and DON, the Assistant NHA explained the APRN spoke to the UM for Key [NAME] Unit and reported the incident to her not to the ADON or the East Coast UM. Her expectation was for staff to notify the Nurse Manager or Staff Coordinator immediately when there were allegations of abuse/neglect or when there was an unknown injury of a resident. The Assistant NHA acknowledged the incident was not reported in a timely manner. She verified resident #2's family was not notified of the allegations. The Assistant NHA stated they unsubstantiated resident-to-resident abuse but acknowledged there was no follow up investigation to explain how resident #1 was injured. The DON verified that looking back the facility should have done another reportable as an injury on unknown origin and said it should have been re-opened. On 3/14/25 at 4:48 PM, in a joint interview with the facility's corporate staff including the Director of Compliance and [NAME] President of Risk and Regulatory they stated the investigation into resident #1's injuries would be re-opened (almost three months after the incident occurred) based on inconsistencies with CNA A's statements. They acknowledged the facility submitted a new Federal Immediate Report almost three months after the incident occurred. The Director of Compliance and [NAME] President of Risk and Regulatory did not say why they would re-open an investigation into an event that occurred in December of last year, if as they said, the original investigation was accurate. The Director of Compliance said he was not with the company in December 2024 and the [NAME] President was in a different position. They acknowledged that mandatory Federal one- and five-day reports were reviewed by corporate staff before they were sent to the State Agency. When asked why they would re-open this case when their predecessors approved the original investigations and Federal reports, they said they re-interviewed CNA A and found inconsistencies with his statement. The statements were regarding resident #2 having punched a pregnant staff and put CNA A in a headlock. However, neither of the corporate staff had concerns with CNA A's allegation that he saw resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room with the bedding. The Director of Compliance said the new investigation would focus on the injury of unknown orig[TRUNCATED]
CRITICAL (J) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation

Administration (Tag F0835)

Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to promote a culture of safety on the locked memory care unit to ensu...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to promote a culture of safety on the locked memory care unit to ensure residents' dementia and/or behaviors were free of abuse/neglect. The facility Administration's lack of active involvement and their deficient behavioral monitoring, reporting and investigative standards contributed to negative resident-to-resident interactions, which ended, at times, with physical fights, battery, and/or life altering injuries for 2 of 6 residents reviewed for abuse, neglect and behaviors of a total sample of 6 residents, (#1, and #2). On 12/25/24 at 9:40 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A witnessed resident #2 enter resident #1's room. Shortly after, resident #1's roommate approached the nurses' station and said resident #2 was in his room on top of resident #1. CNA A said when he got to resident #1's room, resident #2 was coming out with resident #1's sheets in his hands. CNA A explained he saw resident #1 lying on the bed in the dark with his feet hanging off the bed. The next morning, on 12/26/24 at approximately 7:30 AM, Registered Nurse (RN) F was notified by CNA E that she had observed discoloration to resident #1's face. The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) was at the facility and assessed the resident at 11:40 AM. The APRN ordered x-rays of resident #1's face as well as labs. Mobile x-rays were done and the results revealed resident #1 had suffered an acute fracture of the left and right lower jaw with soft tissue swelling. The APRN ordered resident #1's transfer to an acute care hospital at approximately 7:00 PM on 12/26/24. The hospital Emergency Department (ED) physician assessment dated [DATE] indicated resident #1's injuries were suspicious for non-accidental trauma, physical abuse or neglect. Resident #1 was not a candidate for surgery due to his advanced age and complex medical history. The resident was transferred to an inpatient hospice unit for comfort care on 12/27/24 and passed away five days later on 1/01/25. The facility Administration failed to prevent physical abuse for a vulnerable, cognitively impaired resident (#1), failed to ensure medical care was provided in a timely manner for an emergent injury to ensure minimal pain and suffering, failed to ensure incidents and allegations of abuse were accurately documented in the medical record, and failed to ensure a cognitively impaired resident, (#2) with known aggressive behaviors received needed mental health services; was appropriately monitored and supervised; and had a comprehensive person-centered care plan with appropriate behavioral interventions. These failures contributed to an unsafe environment and put all residents residing in the memory care unit at risk for physical abuse and delays in care. These failures resulted in Immediate Jeopardy starting on 12/26/24. There were a total of 60 residents residing in the facility's memory care unit. Findings: 1. Resident #1, an [AGE] year-old male, was initially admitted to the facility from an acute care hospital on [DATE] with diagnoses that included hypertensive chronic kidney disease stage 3, repeated falls, and adult failure to thrive. He was transferred to the hospital from the facility on 11/16/24 due to unresponsiveness after his wife witnessed him slump over on his chair during dinner. He was treated for community acquired pneumonia and admitted to hospice for senile degeneration of the brain. He was readmitted to the facility on [DATE] with additional diagnoses including encounter for palliative care, congestive heart failure, syncope and collapse, dementia with behavioral disturbances, anxiety, major depressive disorder, pain, and long-term use of anticoagulants. In a telephone interview on 3/10/25 at 4:38 PM, resident #1's wife stated her husband was admitted to the facility because she was unable to care for him at home due to his dementia. She explained he was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] but was hospitalized again shortly afterwards. Resident #1's wife explained she requested the hospital not return him to the facility, but he had to return on 11/27/24, as the hospital was unable to find a suitable bed elsewhere. She said she and the resident's brother would visit him almost daily. Resident #1's wife stated she felt there was a safety issue at the facility. She said in the lunchroom several family members saw a man and a woman fight while two staff members sat on the floor, each looking at their phones instead of observing the residents. She explained she mentioned to staff at least three times to put their phones down and pay attention to the residents before something happened. Resident #1's wife relayed this was why she was trying to transfer her husband to another facility in the area. She recalled on 12/26/24 she received a call from the facility at approximately 8:30 AM, informing her of discoloration found on her husband's face. She was told at that time they did not know what had happened but believed it might have been caused by the bedrails. She recalled she had not seen her husband's injuries yet, so she did not argue with their explanation. Resident #1's wife said she remembered when she arrived at the facility she was surprised at the extent of the bruising on her husband's face and neck because it was worse than she imagined. She said the APRN, the nurse, and another staff member whose name she could not recall were there and the APRN said she would order an x-ray of his face and lab work. She said she told them at that time she did not believe this was caused by the bed rails because of how bad his face looked. Resident #1's wife explained she was told they did not know what happened to him, but they would investigate. She stated at approximately 1:00 PM, she tried to feed her husband his lunch, but he could not even open his mouth to chew, so he did not eat. She said she left the facility around 4:00 PM, and received a phone call at approximately 8:30 PM letting her know the x-ray showed he had a broken jaw and lab work indicated he had elevated white blood count (WBC) so he would be transferred to the hospital by non-emergency transport. She recalled the nurse told her it seemed another resident might have attacked him. Resident #1's wife recalled she went right away to the hospital and when she arrived, he was unresponsive, and he never opened his eyes to look at her again. She said she was unable to talk to him again and he passed away six days later on 1/01/25. Resident #1's wife recalled the hospital physician told her that surgery and recovery could be complicated due to his age and medical history, so the best option for him was hospice to keep him comfortable. He was transferred to inpatient hospice. She recalled she told the staff this was not the bedrails that caused this because of the extent of his wounds. She said she was upset and left the facility but took pictures of his face to keep as proof. On 3/10/25 at 2:46 PM, the facility's reportable log for December 2024 was reviewed with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA), Assistant NHA, and Director of Nursing (DON). The NHA stated she was the facility's Risk Manager but at the time of the reportable incident, on 12/26/24, the Assistant NHA performed the role, and the DON was the Abuse Coordinator. The Assistant NHA said she first learned of the incident on 12/26/24 at about 3:30 PM, when she was notified by staff that an x-ray result for resident #1 showed he had sustained a fractured jaw. She said she alerted the DON, who was not at the facility that day, but arrived at approximately 4:00 PM. The Assistant NHA said although she was the Risk Manager, she was not made aware of the discoloration found on resident #1's face that morning by CNA E and RN F. The DON and Assistant NHA said they became involved in the investigation at that point, when the DON arrived and started gathering witness statements from the previous night's staff. They said CNA A worked the 3 -11 PM shift on 12/25/24 and was interviewed in person by the DON and Assistant NHA on 12/26/24. They said at that time they learned of his allegation of a possible resident-to-resident incident that occurred the previous evening of 12/25/24. They said, CNA A's statement indicated he, ran down the hallway to escort [resident #2 name] personally. When I arrived to the room [resident #1's name] legs were halfway off the bed and I proceeded to fix him and ask if he was ok because [resident #2 name] took his blankets and dragged them, which he also put me in a headlock where I had to receive help from a co-worker to get him off of me which I reported to the nurse. The Assistant NHA said that Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) B assessed resident #1 that evening and did not notice any injuries. The Assistant NHA was unable to provide documentation of any assessment completed by LPN B that evening. The DON acknowledged there was no documentation of the incident, or report of the allegations made by the CNA, nor any head-to-toe assessment documented by the nurse. The DON said the nurse did not document because she did not notice any injuries to resident #1 and resident #2 was at his baseline always going in and out of other resident rooms. She explained it was normal for residents in the locked unit to wander in and out of other residents' rooms because they had dementia. The DON said, Because the fracture was not treatable there was no need to send the resident out [to the hospital] but because of his elevated blood count he was sent out and the wife agreed. They were unable to provide documentation to show any assessments completed that night on resident #1 or #2. They said they interviewed LPN B by phone, who had worked a double shift on 12/25/24 from 7 AM to 11 PM. LPN B told them that on the morning of 12/25/24 there had been no issues with resident #1 except he was sleepy during lunch and his family asked for him to be put in bed. She said his family stayed until early to mid-evening and she gave him medication at approximately 10:00 PM. He did not complain of pain, was not in any distress, and fell back to sleep. They explained LPN B checked on him again at around 10:30 PM and he was still sleeping comfortably. The Assistant NHA said the 11 PM-7 AM staff were interviewed and both the CNA and LPN gave the same statement. CNA C and LPN D said they provided incontinence care for resident #1 at approximately 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM on 12/26/24 and said they did not notice any injuries to the resident at that time. LPN D told them resident #1 did not receive any medications during her shift, and she first became aware of the discoloration prior to leaving on 12/26/24 when she was asked to go to his room by the morning nurse and CNA. She said she noticed that he had a discoloration to the left side of his jaw. The Assistant NHA said that resident #1's roommate was interviewed on 12/26/24 but he did not recall the incident or what he reported to CNA A. Both the DON and Assistant NHA confirmed they had not been notified on 12/25/24 regarding CNA A's allegations of a possible resident-to-resident incident. They confirmed LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A regarding resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room, the roommate's allegation about the attack, nor of him being put in a headlock by resident #2. The Assistant NHA explained CNA E was the first one who noticed resident #1's injuries on 12/26/24 during her morning rounds at approximately 7:30 AM. She told them in her statement she saw the discoloration to one side of his face and notified RN F and LPN D. They stated RN F called the APRN who was already at the facility doing rounds that morning and called resident #1's wife at approximately 8:30 AM to notify her of the bruises. They said a head-to-toe assessment was done and they started completing the incident report. The Assistant NHA and DON explained at around 11:40 AM (four hours after the bruises were first noticed and reported) the APRN evaluated resident #1 with his wife at the bedside. They said at that time the APRN ordered an x-ray of the resident's face, and labs. The x-ray and labs results were obtained at approximately 3:30 PM which confirmed he had a broken jaw and elevated WBCs. The Assistant NHA and DON said the APRN was notified shortly after that time, and an order was given for him to be transferred to the hospital via non-emergency transport for further evaluation. The Assistant NHA and DON said they notified DCF, who did not accept the case, and law enforcement then completed their immediate reporting to the State Agency at approximately 8:00 PM, almost 24 hours after CNA A alleged the resident-to-resident abuse occurred, approximately 13 hours after resident #1's injuries were first reported by CNA E, and almost four and a half hours after the fractures were identified. The Assistant NHA and DON said resident #1's wife was notified, and he was transported to the hospital at approximately 8:30 PM, approximately 5 hours after the fractures were first identified. The DON said resident #2 was placed on one-to-one supervision at that time on 12/26/24 as a preventative measure during the investigation to keep other residents safe. They confirmed resident #2 had behaviors such as wandering into other resident rooms and he could become aggressive after family visited but said he had never attacked another resident. They stated staff education on abuse/neglect was initiated on 12/26/24 in an abundance of caution. The Assistant NHA said they were unable to verify the allegations made by CNA A because no other staff could corroborate the story and resident #1's roommate could not recall making the allegations. They explained LPN B said she did not witness or receive report from CNA A that night regarding the incident and per her statement there were no injuries noted on resident #1. The Assistant NHA said the investigation was concluded on 12/31/24 with no conclusive explanation for resident #1's injuries. She did not say why they did not investigate the cause of resident #1's injuries at that time if they did not find a likely reason for resident #1's injuries. On 3/14/25 at 2:07 PM, the facility's investigation was again reviewed, with the Assistant NHA. She said the Key [NAME] Unit Manager notified her of the resident #1's x-ray results. The Assistant NHA said she did not observe resident #1 on 12/26/25 and therefore would not be able to speak about the resident's discoloration/bruising except what was conveyed to her by other staff and their documentation or lack thereof. The facility's investigation showed that CNA A, as the lone staff, observed resident #2 leaving resident #1's room with a blanket on the evening of 2/25/25 at approximately 9:40 PM. The Assistant NHA could not say where the other staff who were working on the unit were at the time of the incident. She did not explain if the other staff were assisting other residents, at lunch or even on a break per the facility investigation. Review of staff statements that were provided by the Assistant NHA lacked dates, time stamps and objective descriptions such as the location of the staff member when the alleged altercation between resident #1 and resident #2 occurred. There was no evidence that the Administrative staff that led the investigation made any effort to determine why CNA A was the only witness, or why he did not report the incident to other staff or a supervisor when he did not receive an appropriate response from the nurse he informed. The Assistant NHA acknowledged CNA A's statement did not include the observation of resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room, she added that information was only obtained verbally. The Assistant NHA explained, going into other resident rooms was just part of the behaviors, for resident #2 in regard to whether resident #2's unwanted entry to resident #1's room, removing resident #1's bedding or entering any other resident's room was a concern that should have been documented or reported to the nurse or a manager. The Assistant NHA said the resident-to-resident abuse was not substantiated in the facility 's Federal 5-day report because CNA A was the only witness. The Assistant NHA relayed the facility had opened a new investigation related to resident #1's fractured jaw since the start of the complaint survey. She explained the new investigation was to focus on injury of an unknown origin. The Assistant NHA did not provide an answer if the allegation should have been considered an injury of unknown origin since the facility did not substantiate the Federal 5 Day Report for resident-to-resident abuse. The Assistant NHA did not provide an explanation or a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as to why resident #1's jaw was fractured. On 3/14/25 at 4:48 PM, the facility's corporate staff including the Director of Compliance and [NAME] President of Risk and Regulatory discussed why they re-opened the investigation into the incident of resident #1's bilateral fractured jaw almost three months after the incident occurred. They acknowledged the facility submitted a new Federal Immediate Report almost three months after the incident occurred as well. The Director of Compliance and [NAME] President of Risk and Regulatory did not say why they would re-opened an investigation into an event that occurred in December of last year if as they said, the original investigation was accurate. The Director of Compliance said he was not with the company in December 2024 and the [NAME] President was in a different position. They acknowledged that mandatory Federal one- and five-day reports were reviewed by corporate staff before they were sent into the State Agency. When asked why they would re-open this case when their predecessor approved the original investigations and Federal reports, they said they re-interviewed CNA A and found inconsistencies with his statement. The concerned statements noted resident #2 punched a pregnant staff and put CNA A in a headlock. However, neither of the cooperate staff had concern with CNA A's allegation that he saw resident #2 coming out of resident #1's room with the bedding. The Director of Compliance said the new investigation would focus on the injury of unknown origin. The Director of Compliance introduced a new theory at that time, that resident #1's injury was the result of a pathological fracture due to osteoporosis. The Director of Compliance said on 3/12/25 the facility requested a review of resident #1's x-ray results and osteoporosis was now added to the report. He agreed osteoporosis was not on the original x-ray reading report. Corporate staff voiced statements indicating the facility wanted to re-litigate the facts of the incident but still maintain their original investigation was complete and thorough. The facility's Administration and Corporation's lack of involvement of the locked unit led to the acceptance/culture of demented residents' inappropriate and often unsafe behaviors such as fighting and wandering into other resident's rooms/space was normal and accepted versus implementing appropriate interventions for staff to utilize to maintain the safety of residents on the locked unit. The facility Administration and Corporate staff did not say why they had not placed the same urgency into their original investigation of resident #1's injuries from the onset, as they were now with the re-opening of a new investigation. 2. Resident #2 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] from a psychiatric hospital. His diagnoses included Alzheimer's disease, dementia with behaviors, anxiety, major depression and unspecified mood disorder. Medical record review revealed a Level I, Preadmission Screening and Resident Assessment (PASARR) dated 10/01/24 was completed at the hospital and a Level II PASARR was required. There was not any evidence in the medical record that a Level II PASARR was completed on or about the time of admission for resident #2, or that one had been requested by the facility. The State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA Med/Serv Form 004 Part A, March 2017) form completed by the in-patient psychiatric facility on 9/09/24 prior to resident #2's admission to the facility read, . Individual may not be admitted to a Nursing Facility. Use this form and required documentation to request a Level II PASARR (Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review) because there is a diagnosis of or suspicion of Serious Mental Illness. The medical record contained progress notes which provided some insight to the resident's past behaviors prior to the alleged physical abuse of resident #1. A progress note dated 10/03/24 indicated resident #2 was admitted to the facility after having been previously Involuntarily admitted (Florida [NAME] Act) to a psychiatric facility for attacking his own family. Progress notes dated 10/10/24, 10/14/24, 10/18/24 and 11/09/24 respectively depicted a resident that was excessively exit seeking, setting off door alarms, restless, wandering in and out of other residents' rooms, and waking other residents up. The notes indicated the resident was often resistive to redirection. One particular progress note dated 11/24/24, which was struck out but still in the medical record for review, revealed resident #2 wandered into the room of a resident he did not get along with, got into the bed which upset the other resident, and ultimately lead to a fight between the two residents. The facility staff noted on several occasions that redirection of resident #2 was ineffective. The Situation Background Assessment and Recommendation (SBAR) note dated the next day, 11/25/24, indicated a nurse noticed two minor skin openings and discoloration to the back of resident #2's left hand. The next day, 11/26/24, an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) note revealed the resident wandered in and out of other residents' rooms, refused care and at times was resistant to redirection. This note indicated the resident continued to be anxious/restless and attributed the discoloration to the back of the resident's hand, to a lab draw that was earlier in the week. The author of the IDT note did not provide any insights as how a resident-to-resident altercation was ruled out as the etiology for the wound/discoloration since the resident was noted to freely wander into other resident's rooms. On 3/11/25 at 10:17 AM, LPN B said in a phone interview that on 12/25/24 she worked a double shift from 7 AM to 11 PM on the locked Caring Way unit with resident #1 and resident #2. She said they were assigned to her previously and she was familiar with both residents. LPN B recalled resident #2 was known to walk into other resident's rooms and caused problems with the other residents. LPN B said resident #2 was known to become aggressive, get into people's faces and grab things from other residents, especially after his family left from visiting. She explained between herself and the other nursing staff they would have to distract him when they saw him going into other resident's rooms, but he was not easily redirected. They had to constantly watch him. Resident #2 had behaviors care plan initiated on 10/05/24. The interventions included administer medications, encourage/assist resident to develop appropriate coping methods, encourage resident to express feelings, explain procedures prior to doing them, and intervene or redirect resident as necessary. The care plan interventions were never updated despite the staff's frequent inability to redirect him, monitor him and/or prevent him from wandering into other resident's rooms, in conflict with other residents on the locked unit, until after the alleged incident on 12/25/24. The care plan was not updated until the reported incident on 12/26/24, after the alleged assault of resident #1, who sustained a bilateral jawbone fracture. Nursing home Administration did not intervene to identify and attempt to prevent resident #2's inappropriate behaviors until the life altering injury of resident #1 was identified. On 3/11/24 at 10:58 AM, RN F in an interview conducted in Spanish per RN F's request, she stated she often worked on the memory care unit. RN F stated she felt it was difficult to perform her job safely because they were not able to provide enough supervision of the residents there. She explained they typically had five CNAs working on the unit for 60 confused residents and when residents had behaviors like entering other residents rooms they tried to offer them snacks or food to distract them but many of them were not redirectable. In a joint interview on 3/11/25 at 10:40 AM, with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and Assistant NHA, the Assistant NHA stated they had requested a level II PASARR) from the psychiatric hospital but never received it. They were not able to provide documentation they had attempted to obtain the level II screening prior to 3/11/25, when it was brought to their attention during the survey. The NHA and the Assistant NHA said they never submitted their own level II screening because they expected to receive it from the psychiatric hospital. They continued, resident #2 already received all of the services he needed to manage his mental health, such as visits with the Psychiatrist who provided medication management. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly Assessment with an Assessment Reference Date of 12/29/24 noted during the look-back period, resident #2 was rarely/never understood and unable to complete the Brief Interview for Mental Status. Staff assessed the resident had short-term and long-term memory problems, his cognitive skills for daily decision making were severely impaired, and he had no acute mental status changes. The assessment indicated that for four to six days, the resident had physical and verbal behaviors directed towards others, other behaviors not directed towards others, rejection of evaluation or care, and he wandered. The MDS detailed the resident received three medications by injection, received high-risk anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, hypnotic, and anti-convulsant medications. The assessment indicated resident #2 received no psychological therapy and no active discharge planning had occurred. Resident #2's Order Summary Report for December 2024, included the physician ordered medications: Citalopram (an anti-depressant) 20 Milligrams (MG) each day at bedtime for depression; Depakote (anti-convulsant) 875 MG every 8 hours for affective mood disorder; Dextromethorphan (anti-tussive) 15 MG twice daily for behaviors; Haldol Decanoate (anti-psychotic) 75 MG injection every 21 days for dementia psychosis; one-time Haldol injections for agitation received on 12/04/24, 12/17/24, 12/26/24, 12/27/24, 12/28/24, and 12/29/24; Lorazepam (anti-anxiety) both 0.5 MG twice daily for anxiety and wandering, and 1 MG once on 12/13/24 for anxiety and insomnia; Mirtazapine (anti-depressant) 7.5 MG once daily at bedtime for sadness/depression; Paroxetine (anti-depressant) 20 MG once daily at bedtime for depression; and Temazepam (sedative-hypnotic) 15 MG once daily at bedtime for insomnia. On 3/11/25 at 8:57 AM, in a telephone interview resident #2's son stated the family was not happy with how the facility handled many situations with his father. He recalled when his father was at the psychiatric hospital, they stabilized his mental health with medications and treatment, so there were not any issues. Resident #2's son said when he came to the nursing home, the facility changed his father's medications constantly, without discussing it with his family, and they did not understand why. He said he believed the facility did not have enough staff to supervise the residents on the locked unit and gave examples. He recalled an incident when his father was attacked after he wandered into another resident's room and took some cookies. Another time last November his mother witnessed his father being grabbed by another resident on the unit and choked until his father was able to push the other resident off of him. In another incident with that same resident, he recalled his father was bitten on the hand, which he had pictures of. Resident #2's son stated he was not aware of any reports or investigations by the facility related to those incidents even though staff were present. He said he had recordings of care plan meetings he attended, where the staff promised to do different things to ensure his father's safety, but they never followed through with any of the interventions. The son recalled he was told by a nurse at the facility that his father attacked another resident on or about 12/25/24. He explained he had spoken with other nurses at the facility, and they were all aware of the incident, but no one would say they had witnessed anything. He said his father was eventually transferred to the hospital on [DATE]. At the hospital they found bruises on both of his arms and a cut on the elbow that looked infected. The son said they took his father out of the nursing home for no reason, and he was never given a reason why his father needed to go to the hospital. In interviews on 3/14/25 at 11:52 AM and 1:25 PM, the Social Service Director stated she was responsible for creating and updating care plans for any behaviors exhibited by the residents. She said she did this by attending clinical meetings and speaking to the psychiatric provider when residents had issues. The Social Services Director did not say why resident #2 had no new interventions in his care plan after the behaviors noted by nurses and by the psychiatric provider. She stated she did not recall any incidents with resident #2 and denied knowledge of any incidents between resident #2 and any other residents. She acknowledged care plans should be revised when issues occurred but said there was no policy for it. The Social Services Director said they looked at what worked and would continue to use that intervention. Review of a progress note completed by the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dated 12/26/24 revealed resident #2 had paranoid thoughts and read, . staff documented assaultive and aggressive behaviors . Review of the facility's Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Misappropriation, Mistreatment, and Injury of Unknown Origin (ANEMMI) policy revised 10/2022 noted, All events reported as possible ANEMMI will be investigated to determine whether ANEMMi occurred. The policy included, Residents who are suspected of initiating abusive behavior toward other residents will be immediately separated from the suspected victim. The immediate actions to remove the Immediate Jeopardy by the facility were reviewed and revealed the following which was verified by the survey team: *12/26/24 resident #1 no longer resides in the facility, discharged on 12/26/24. *12/29/24 resident #2 no longer resides in the facility, discharged on 12/26/24. *12/26/24 at 7:30 AM staff noticed discoloration to resident #1's jaw/neck and notified APRN per orders for anticoagulant monitoring. Upon examination APRN ordered a facial x-ray at 12:44 PM. Resident #1 transferred to hospital at 8:09 PM for evaluation related to lab results. *12/26/24-12/27/24- 200 of 200 current staff across all departments were provided education on abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation, mistreatment, and injury of unknown source. *12/26/24 at 3:53 PM x-ray results received by facility. The Unit Manager notified the APRN and the facility Risk Manager of the x-ray results. An internal investigation was initiated, and a federal immediate report was submitted. *3/14/25, the NHA and DON were re-educated by the Registered Nurse Consultant (RNC) on the components of F835 with an emphasis on taking immediate action on ensuring person centered care and interventions are in place for residents with a history of dementia and behaviors for effectiveness, thoroughly investigating and reporting allegations in a timely manner and appropriate interventions for behavioral dementia residents and timely medical treatment. *3/14/25, a quality review was conducted by the RNC/designee of 57 current residents who reside on the memory care unit to ensure appropriate interventions for behavioral dementia residents are in place and timely medical treatment is rendered within the previous 30 [TRUNCATED]
CONCERN (D) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0645 (Tag F0645)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review ...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) Level II Evaluation was completed for 2 of 3 residents, (#2, #4); and failed to complete Level I screen after significant change in condition for 1 of 3 residents, (#2) reviewed for PASARR, of a total sample of 6 residents. Findings: 1. Review of the medical record revealed resident #2, a [AGE] year-old male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] from an in-patient psychiatric hospital with diagnoses that included Alzheimer's Disease, major depressive disorder, recurrent severe, anxiety disorder, cognitive impairment, mild neurocognitive disorder, hypermobility syndrome, and affective mood disorder with other behavioral disturbance. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Quarterly Assessment with Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 12/29/24 noted during the look-back periods, resident #2 was rarely/never understood and unable to complete the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). Staff assessed the resident had short-term and long-term memory problems, his cognitive skills for daily decision making were severely impaired, and no acute mental status changes occurred. For 4 to 6 days, the resident had physical and verbal behaviors directed towards others, other behaviors not directed towards others, rejection of evaluation or care, and he wandered. The assessment showed the resident required staff supervision/moderate assistance to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and for Functional Mobility. The resident received 3 injections, high-risk anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, hypnotic, and anti-convulsant medications, and no psychological therapy or active discharge planning occurred. The Physician's Determination of Resident's Capacity to Make Medical Decisions Based on Informed Consent dated 12/10/24 noted the physician determined resident #2 was unable to make his own decisions. The Care Plan Report initiated on 10/05/24 noted the resident required secure dementia unit with new surrounding adjustment difficulties and impaired safety awareness, cognitive deficits, high fall risk, nurse monitoring of adverse medication effects, history of non-compliance/refusal of care, behaviors including impulsivity, combativeness with staff, wandering in/out of other resident's rooms, getting into other resident's beds, exit-seeking, and re-direction resistance/difficulty with an intervention initiated on 12/26/24 for 1:1 staff observation/re-direction of resident's behaviors including going into other resident's rooms. The Order Summary Report included physician ordered medications for Citalopram (anti-depressant) 20 Milligrams (MG) each day at bedtime for depression, Depakote (anti-convulsant) 875 MG every 8 hours for affective mood disorder, Dextromethorphan (anti-tussive) 15 MG twice daily for behaviors, Haldol Decanoate (anti-psychotic) 75 MG injection every 21 days for dementia psychosis, one time Haldol injections for agitation on 12/04/24, 12/17/24, 12/26/24, 12/27/24, 12/28/24, and 12/29/24, Lorazepam (anti-anxiety) 0.5 MG twice daily for anxiety and wandering and 1 MG once on 12/13/24 for anxiety and insomnia, Mirtazepine (anti-depressant) 7.5 MG once daily at bedtime for sadness/depression, Paroxetine (anti-depressant) 20 MG once daily at bedtime for depression, and Temazepam (sedative-hypnotic) 15 MG once daily at bedtime for insomnia. The State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA Med/Serv Form 004 Part A, March 2017) completed by the in-patient psychiatric facility on 9/09/24 prior to resident #2's admission to the facility read, . Individual may not be admitted to a Nursing Facility. Use this form and required documentation to request a Level II PASRR (Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review) because there is a diagnosis of or suspicion of Serious Mental Illness. In a joint interview with the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and Assistant NHA on 3/11/25 at 10:40 AM, the NHA conveyed the facility was not aware of resident #2's Level II evaluation results until after they obtained a copy the same day from the in-patient psychiatric facility. Review of a progress note completed by the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner on 12/26/24 noted resident #2 had paranoid thoughts and read, . staff documented assaultive and aggressive behaviors. On 3/15/25 at 12:45 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) said there were discussions in clinical meetings to determine if new PASARR screens or evaluations were needed, and she was responsible for ensuring they were completed. She did not explain why a new screen was not completed for resident #2 after he showed assaultive behaviors. 2. Review of the medical records revealed resident #4, a [AGE] year old male was admitted to the facility on [DATE] from Hospice with diagnoses including chronic pancreatitis, dementia with other behavioral and psychotic disturbance, brief psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder, moderate, primary insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, affective mood disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse, and persistent mood disorder. The MDS Quarterly Assessment with ARD of 2/20/25 noted resident #4 scored 4 out of 10 on the BIMS that indicated he was severely cognitively impaired. The assessment showed the resident had physical, verbal, behavioral symptoms directed towards others, other behavioral symptoms towards himself, rejection of evaluation or care for 4 to 6 days, and for 1 to 3 days, he wandered. The Care Plan Report initiated on 5/30/23 included secured dementia unit placement to meet individual needs for ADL care, impaired safety awareness, dementia, impaired cognitive function/thought processes, Long Term Care services, Hospice Services, nurse adverse medication effects monitoring, ADL self-care deficits, behaviors including nutritional supplement and medication declinations, and read, (Does not want nurse to touch any part of arm/shoulder/fingers). Care Plans initiated on 6/07/24 included: PTSD, resistive/refusals of care, anxiety, depression, and Paranoid Schizophrenia like behaviors and initiated 7/07/24: Incapacity. The Physician's Determination of Resident's Capacity to Make Medical Decisions Based on Informed Consent dated 12/23/24 noted the physician determined resident #4 was unable to make his own decisions. A progress note completed by the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner on 1/02/25 noted resident #4 reported he had been in a physical altercation with a peer who entered his room and took his property. In a telephone interview on 3/13/25 at 1:40 PM, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner said he knew resident #4 well and recalled evaluating him on 1/02/25. He checked the medical record and explained the assessment occurred after the resident was moved to a new room and with a new roommate. He said he believed the resident confabulated the story and the resident's memory was very impaired and unreliable. He stated he was not aware of resident #2's involvement in any resident to resident physical altercations that were verified. On 3/13/25 at 12:30 PM, resident #4 was observed sitting on the bed in his room. The resident said, I had no fights or arguments with anybody. On 3/15/25 at 1:43 PM, resident #4 was observed sitting in a wheelchair in his room. He said he did not recall telling the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that he hit someone and said, they pissed me off taking all my clothes; I just stood there and watched them. On 3/13/25 at 2:18 PM, the East Coast Unit Manager checked resident #4's medical record and said she completed a new PASARR screen on 1/06/25 that indicated a Level II Evaluation was required. She was unable to locate a completed evaluation. Review of the State Agency PASARR vendor records noted on 1/13/25, resident #4's case was administratively closed when the additional medical records required from the facility to process the Level II Evaluation were not received. The record showed on 3/13/25, the facility submitted a new request. On 3/15/25 at 12:45 PM, the DON said resident #4's Level II evaluation wasn't completed due to lack of consent. The DON explained she was not aware additional medical records were required and conveyed the facility missed conducting follow-up measures to ensure the Level II evaluation was completed. On 3/15/25 at 1:26 PM, the Regional Director of Operations said the facility did not have company policy for PASARR and they followed regulatory guidelines.
Feb 2025 1 deficiency
CONCERN (D) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0694 (Tag F0694)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line dressing care was completed as per professional standards, and physician order for 1 of 1 resident of a total sample of 7 residents, (#7). Findings: Resident #7, a [AGE] year-old male was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. His diagnoses included acute cystitis with hematuria, urinary tract infection, and chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure. The resident's hospital Discharge Worksheet dated 1/24/25 read, Your PICC/Midline dressing should be changed routinely every 7 days or sooner if becomes wet, soiled or loose. Review of the resident's admission readmission Nursing Evaluation dated 1/29/25 revealed he was admitted from the hospital on 1/29/25. The resident was alert and oriented to person, place, time and event, and had an intravenous (IV) access via a PICC. A PICC is a catheter (small tube) used to give treatments and to take blood. The catheter is inserted into an arm vein . guided through the peripheral vein into a central vein near your heart. (retrieved on 2/14/2025 from www.drugs.com). On 2/05/25 at 12:56 PM, resident #7 was sitting on the side of his bed. A PICC line was noted to the resident's right upper arm, and the dressing was dated 1/24. The resident stated the IV access was placed in the hospital, and he received IV antibiotic via the access for 30 minutes per/dose. He stated the dressing had not been changed since he was admitted to the facility. On 2/05/25 at 1:00 PM, Registered Nurse (RN) A confirmed she was resident #7's assigned nurse. She stated the resident had a right upper arm PICC line and was getting antibiotics every 8 hours for acute cystitis. She verbalized the PICC should be flushed before and after medication administration, and the end should be capped when not in use. RN A said the PICC line dressing should be changed within 24 hours of the resident's admission, and then every 7 days and as needed (PRN) for any soilage. On 2/05/25 at 1:05 PM, an observation of the resident's PICC line dressing was conducted with RN A. She acknowledged the date on the dressing was 1/24. A review of the resident's physician orders was conducted by RN A. She verbalized that an order was in place for the PICC line dressing to be changed every 7 days and PRN. She said the resident's PICC line dressing was not changed as ordered, since the date noted on the dressing was 1/24. RN A said it should have been changed on 1/31/25 but was not done. Review of the resident's physician orders showed orders dated 1/29/25 for PICC line care that read, PICC line Right arm: Monitor for s/s (signs/symptoms) of infection, swelling, color change, pain, drainage etc. If abnormalities observed, stop use of IV site and notify physician Q (every) shift until 2/19/2025 23:59 (11:59 PM) and as needed. Change dressing within 24 hours of admission, insertion, or reinsertion and Q 7 days and PRN thereafter using sterile technique. Measure arm circumference and external length of catheter. Physician order dated 1/31/25 was for Piperacillin 3.0-375 gm IV Q 8 hrs for cystitis until 2/19/2025. Piperacillin/tazobactam is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. (retrieved on 2/14/2025 from webmd.com). Review of the resident's Physician/Practitioner progress notes dated 1/30/25 revealed the physician's plan included Routine PICC care. Review of the resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) revealed documentation on 1/30/25 that indicated the PICC line dressing was changed at 9:40 AM. The date observed on the PICC line dressing was 1/24, not 1/30/25. On 2/05/25 at 1:16 PM, observation of the resident's PICC line dressing was conducted with the East Coast Registered Nurse (RN) Unit Manager (UM). She acknowledged the dressing was dated 1/24 and stated that by protocol the PICC line dressing was to be changed weekly. The RN/UM stated a resident admitted with a Midline/PICC would have batch orders for the care of the Midline/PICC placed in the residents' Electronic Medical Records (EMR). She stated the Midline/PICC line dressing changes should be done by the resident's assigned nurse and explained the PICC dressing for resident #7 should have been changed 24 hours after his admission, and then every 7 days thereafter. On 2/05/25 at 2:20 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated PICC line dressings should be changed if soiled or wet then every 7 days after admission. The resident's MAR was reviewed, and the DON confirmed that signature on 1/30/25 indicated the PICC dressing was changed. The date noted on the resident's PICC dressing was 1/24. She acknowledged the order signed off by Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) B was for dressing change within 24 hours of admission and every 7 days and as needed thereafter. On 2/05/25 at 2:33 PM, LPN B stated the protocol was to change the PICC dressing if dirty or within 24 hours of admission. The resident's MAR was reviewed with the LPN. She acknowledged she signed the order on 1/31/24 to indicate she had checked the resident's IV access, and not that a dressing change was done. She stated a dressing change was not needed at that point, and noted the PICC dressing was normally changed by an RN not an LPN. LPN B acknowledged th the physician order she signed off on was for dressing change, and stated she should have signed off on the order that instructed staff to monitor the PICC. On 2/05/25 at 3:25 PM, the DON provided a revised policy for Central Lines. She acknowledged that since the date noted on the resident's PICC line dressing was 1/24, the dressing was not changed in the facility since the resident was admitted on [DATE]. A care plan developed for a midline located in the right arm related to infection was initiated on 1/30/25. An intervention was, IV access site maintenance: perform dressing changes, flushes, etc. as ordered. The facility's policy Central Lines issued 10/2020, and revised 02/2025 read, Change dressing routinely and per physician orders.
Sept 2024 4 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Resident Rights (Tag F0550)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to treat residents courteously, fairly and with dignity by using labels such as feedersto identify them, by standing over residen...

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Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to treat residents courteously, fairly and with dignity by using labels such as feedersto identify them, by standing over residents while assisting with their meals, and by leaving their meal at the bedside for an extended time before they were to be assisted with dining for 2 of 7 residents reviewed for dependent dining, of a total sample of 57 residents, (#130 and #54). Findings: 1. On 9/09/24 at 1:15 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A was observed bringing a meal tray into resident #130's room. She then fed the resident lunch while standing up, leaning over the resident's meal and bedside tray, while she spooned food items into the resident's mouth. CNA A was observed going in and out of several resident's rooms and at 1:26 PM, another resident asked her for assistance to get back to bed. CNA A replied, she had two feeders she needed to help, and she would help him when she finished. CNA A was then observed entering resident #130's room to assist the roommate, resident #54, with their lunch. CNA A also stood over this resident while feeding them. A few minutes later, the Key [NAME] Unit Manager (UM) came into the room and walked over to resident #54 and CNA A. She whispered into CNA A's ear, and CNA A then took a seat in a chair and continued assisting resident #54 with their lunch. On 9/09/24 at 1:40 PM, CNA A stated the UM whispered to her to sit down and be comfortable as she assisted the resident with her meal, and she realized she had used the word, feeders when she referred to these 2 residents previously. She stated it was important for aides to sit while assisting residents because it made them both more comfortable and it was important to not use labels when referring to residents to maintain their dignity as an individual. On 9/09/24 at 1:48 PM, the Key [NAME] UM, stated CNA A was a newer CNA and she advised her to sit down while assisting residents to eat. She stated it was important to sit while assisting residents with their meals to maintain good eye contact and ensure the resident did not feel rushed. The Key [NAME] UM confirmed staff should not identify residents by labels such as feeders, because it was a dignity issue. She explained staff should call residents who required assistance to eat, assisted diners. 2. On 9/11/24 at 12:55 PM, a lunch tray was brought to resident #54's room and left at her bedside while the resident slept. Almost an hour later, at 1:45 PM ,CNA B indicated resident #54 was a feeder and she would feed her in a minute. CNA B stated she was not aware residents should not be called feeders and stated, I just call them that. On 9/11/24 at 2:29 PM, the Key [NAME] UM, stated residents who needed assistance with dining, were supposed to receive their meals after the residents who could feed themselves, when the staff were able to assist them. She stated staff should be educated not to leave trays next to the bedside to get cold and instead should bring the tray with them when they were ready to assist the resident. When she learned of CNA B calling resident #54 a feeder, she stated, Not again! She stated, I'm going to have to do some education. On 9/12/24 at 1:02 PM, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) stated residents were not to be labeled, feeders and were to be treated with dignity. The facility's policy on Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Care and Services dated April 2020 and revised on January 2024, indicated appropriate care and services would be provided for residents who were unable to carry out ADL's independently including appropriate support and assistance with dining. The policy on Residents Rights dated September 2021 and revised on January 2024 stated Federal and State law guaranteed certain basic rights to all residents of this facility including being treated with respect, kindness, and dignity. CNA training documents including competency questionnaires for CNAs provided by the facility both undated and from October and November 2023, indicated education to ensure staff were aware it was inappropriate to use labels when referring to residents, such as feeders. The training program documents also indicated when staff assisted a resident with meals, they should be seated next to the resident.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0645 (Tag F0645)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to obtain a Level I Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASAR...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to obtain a Level I Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) for 1 of 6 residents reviewed for PASARRs, of a total sample of 57 residents, (#5). Resident #5's medical record revealed he was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses of Parkinsonism, dementia, bipolar disorder, depression, insomnia, and dysphagia. Review of the resident's clinical record revealed no Level I or Level II PASARR. Review of resident #5's physician orders revealed Quetiapine Fumarate 600 milligrams (mg) at bedtime for bipolar disorder with a start date of 7/16/24, Donepezil 10 mg at bedtime for dementia on 7/16/24, Mirtazapine Tablet 30 mg at bedtime for depression with a start date of 7/16/24, Lamotrigine 200 mg at bedtime for bipolar disease with a start date of 8/01/24, Lamotrigine 200 mg in the morning for bipolar disease with a start date of 8/1/24 and Aripiprazole 25mg in the morning for bipolar disorder with a start date of 9/03/24. Review of the resident's care plan from 7/18/24 revealed focuses which included the use of antidepressant medication related to depression, the use of antipsychotic medications related to bipolar disorder, the resident having a mood problem related to a mood disorder listed as bipolar disorder and the resident having impaired cognitive function and impaired thought processes related to a diagnosis of dementia. On 9/11/24 at 1:35 PM, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed a Level I PASARR should have been completed for resident #5 but they could not no provide one. On 9/12/24 at 2:31 PM, the [NAME] President of Operations stated there was no facility policy or procedure for PASARR.
CONCERN (E)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

PASARR Coordination (Tag F0644)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. Resident #41 was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included speech and language deficits following cerebral vascular acc...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. Resident #41 was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included speech and language deficits following cerebral vascular accident, dementia moderate with mood disturbance, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, history of falling, and insomnia. The PASARR dated 5/19/23, indicated diagnoses of anxiety and depression but did not include the admission diagnoses of mood disorder nor dementia from 8/16/23. Per the medical record on 8/13/24, a psychiatry consult was ordered to address the resident's mood and cognitive status. The Psychiatry note dated 8/28/24 indicated the resident reported she had been feeling down, had anhedonia (the inability to feel joy or pleasure), low energy, poor sleep and irritability. The Psychiatry Subsequent Note dated 8/30/24 indicated the resident had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder which was not indicated on the admission diagnoses nor on the Level I PASARR. On 9/10/24 at 9:15 AM, the resident stated she had been having horrible dreams that were like torture but could not describe them in detail without emotional distress. She explained she had not told anyone about the dreams but did talk to the Psychiatric Nurse. She said it was very frightening and made her feel like she didn't know if it was real or not. On 9/11/24 at 4:00 PM, the Key [NAME] UM, reviewed the resident's care plan and stated she was unsure why the diagnoses of dementia and mood disorder were not recorded on her PASARR. She was not sure if there was an updated PASARR in Medical Records that had not been uploaded into the computer yet. On 9/12/24 at 10:15 AM, the Medical Record Coordinator stated she was unsure if there were any updated PASARR's not yet downloaded into the resident's medical record. On 9/12/24 at 1:02 PM, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) submitted a Psychiatric consult for a new symptom of nightmares and said the provider would see her tomorrow. On 9/12/24 at 2:42 PM, the facility provided an updated PASARR performed that day, 9/12/24. The newly updated PASARR still indicated the resident did not have a primary diagnosis of dementia even though the medical record indicated she did have the diagnosis of dementia. 4. Resident #1 was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included multiple sclerosis, depression, bipolar I disorder, and anxiety disorder. The Level I PASARR in the medical record, dated 4/01/22 , indicated a diagnosis of depression only but did not include the diagnoses of bipolar or anxiety disorders as her records indicated. A Psychiatry Consult note dated 4/10/23 revealed the consult was ordered because the resident was, Acting bipolar. This consult note also indicated the resident had a past medical history of bipolar disorder. An updated PASARR that included this diagnosis was not found. On 9/11/24 at 4:00 PM the Key [NAME] UM, stated she was unsure why bipolar and anxiety disorders were not recorded on the resident's PASARR. She was not sure if there was an updated PASARR had been completed since the diagnoses was discovered. On 9/12/24 at 10:15 AM, the medical records coordinator stated she did not know if there were any updated PASARR's since the original one dated 4/01/22 and she would look amongst her documents that had not been downloaded into resident records yet. On 9/13/24 at 10:52 AM, the DON confirmed they were not aware the Level I PASARR was incorrect/incomplete when they provided a new, updated PASARR to the surveyor. 6. Review of the medical record revealed resident #84 was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. His diagnoses included paranoid schizophrenia, dementia with behavioral and psychotic disturbance, brief psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse. Resident #84's Quarterly MDS with an ARD of 8/20/24 revealed the resident scored 10 out of 15 on the BIMS exam which indicated he had moderate cognitive impairment. Resident #84's Order Summary Report and the Medication Administration Record showed the resident had an order for Oxcarbazepine 300 MG by mouth two times a day for mood, Quetiapine 50 MG by mouth one time a day for paranoid schizophrenia, and Trazodone 25 MG by mouth, three times a day for depression with agitation. Review of resident # 84's medical record revealed behaviors, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and antipsychotic medication care plans that indicated the resident refused care and to monitor and report changes in behavior to the physician. On 9/11/24 at 1:15 PM, the DON stated it was her and Social Service's responsibility to ensure the residents' Level I and Level II PASARRs were completed and submitted timely. She also stated the residents were to have Level I PASARRs submitted prior to admission, or a new one completed if a resident was diagnosed with a new mental illness, or if there was a change in condition. She verified resident #84 was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, dementia with behavioral and psychotic disturbances, brief psychotics disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse on 5/17/23, however, only the anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and substance abuse was listed on the Level I PASARR submitted prior to admission on [DATE]. The DON acknowledged the resident's paranoid schizophrenia, dementia with behavioral and psychotic disturbance, brief psychotic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder should have been included on the Level I PASARR. She confirmed the Level I PASARR was inaccurate and another Level I PASARR should have been submitted with the correct diagnoses upon admission and did not know how it was missed. On 9/13/24 at 10:51 AM, the DON stated the facility did not have a PASARR policy or any guidelines to follow regarding the PASARRs. She stated she was told to follow the regulations but did not know what the regulations were. Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure completion and accuracy of Level I Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) documents on admission and/or failed to make referrals for newly evident or possible mental disorders/diagnoses to evaluate the need for specialized services or alternative placement for 6 of 7 residents reviewed for PASARRs, of a total sample of 57 residents, (#30, #34, #1, #41, #94, and #84). Findings: 1. Review of the medical record revealed resident #30, a [AGE] year old female was admitted to the facility from an acute care hospital on 6/26/24 with diagnoses that included history of stroke, metabolic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction), epilepsy, dementia, insomnia, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and psychotic disorder. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) admission assessment with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) 7/03/24 indicated during the look-back period, resident #30 was rarely/never understood and staff assessed her cognition as severely impaired. The assessment noted the resident had continuous signs of delirium and sometimes had social isolation. The Functional Abilities and Goals noted the resident required moderate assistance from staff to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL). She was frequently incontinent of bladder and bowel functions, had a history of falling, and received high-risk anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, antibiotic, and anti-platelet medications. The overall goal for discharge showed the resident was to remain in the facility. The Order Summary Report showed active physician's orders that included: behavior and psychotropic medication side effect monitoring every shift, and psychiatric consultation. Medications included: Keppra 750 Milligrams (MG) twice daily for seizures, Lacosamide 200 MG every twelve hours for epilepsy, Depakote 250 MG three times daily for mood disorder, Lorazepam 0.5 MG tablet every eight hours as needed for anxiety, Sertraline 100 MG once daily for depression, Trazodone 50 MG three times daily for depression, and Lorazepam gel 1 MG applied to skin every 8 hours as needed for restlessness, agitation, and trying to stand. The Comprehensive Care Plan's focuses included: anticonvulsant anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant medications, seizure disorder, staff assisted ADL care, staff dependency for emotional, intellectual, physical, and social stimulation, impaired cognitive functions and thought processes, and dementia with secured unit placement. The Preadmission Screening and Resident Review Level I Screen Form (AHCA MedServ Form 004 Part A, March 2017) (PASARR) Section I completed by the hospital on 6/25/2024 documented resident #30 did not have any possible MI or SMI. On 9/13/24 at 9:16 AM, the Social Services Director said she did not complete the PASARR screens. She explained, the Admissions Coordinator ensured a form was received for all new admissions and the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) discussed any required changes or revisions every morning during clinical meetings. On 9/13/24 at 9:26 AM, the East Coast Unit Manager (UM) said she had recently assisted with PASARR Level I Screen revisions and updates. The Registered Nurse (RN) explained, she understood a new screen was required if the form was incorrect, or if new psychiatric diagnoses were later added. She checked resident #30's medical record and confirmed the Level I PASARR from her admission in June was not marked, so she needed a new one because it didn't list the diagnoses. On 9/13/24 at 10:30 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) explained there was not a policy for the facility's PASARR process and, .it keeps going back and forth for who is responsible. 2. Review of the medical record revealed resident #34, a [AGE] year old female was admitted to the facility from another nursing home on 4/25/23. The resident's active diagnoses included: nervous system degeneration, dementia, cerebrovascular (brain vessels) disease, pain, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, repeated falls, and schizoaffective disorder. The MDS Quarterly Assessment with ARD 8/29/24 showed during the look-back periods, resident #34 scored 2 out of 15 on the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) that indicated she was severely cognitively impaired. The assessment noted the resident had continuous inattention and disorganized thinking that did not fluctuate. The Functional Abilities and Goals noted the resident required substantial/maximal assistance from staff to complete ADLs. The resident was always incontinent of bladder and bowel functions, and received high-risk opioid medications. No active discharge planning was in place, and the resident was not expected to return to the community. The Comprehensive Care Plan's focuses included: behaviors, refusals of care/treatment, anti-anxiety medications for restlessness, impaired cognitive function/impaired thought processes, mood disorder, insomnia, depression, staff assisted ADL care, staff dependency for emotional, intellectual, physical, and social stimulation, impaired cognitive functions and thought processes, and dementia with secured unit placement. The Order Summary Report showed active physician's orders that included: resident may not go on LOA (Leave of Absence) from the facility, mechanical lift transfer, and psychotropic medication side effect monitoring. Medications included: Lorazepam 0.5 MG every eight hours as needed for restlessness, and Tramadol (opiate) 50 MG every eight hours as needed for chronic pain. The PASARR's Section I completed by the hospital on 3/27/23 documented resident #34 did not have any possible MI or SMI. The admission Record noted MI or SMI diagnoses were added after the resident's facility admission that included: major depressive disorder, recurrent mild (5/02/23), other specified anxiety disorders (8/10/23), and schizoaffective disorder (11/02/23). On 9/13/24 at 2:24 PM, the East Coast UM checked resident #34's medical record and said the only PASARR that was completed was by the hospital on 3/27/23 and no MI or SMI diagnoses were marked. She checked the diagnosis record and confirmed they were added after she was admitted to the facility. On 9/13/24 at 9:37 AM, the DON said she could not answer why or how the PASARR revisions/corrections were missed. She stated, We do a really detailed discussion in psych (psychiatric) meetings; it includes the psychiatric providers, social services, and nursing; we do discuss diagnoses in the meetings. 5. Resident # 94 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including mood disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Review of the MDS significant change assessment with ARD of 6/10/24 revealed resident #94 had a BIMS score of 15/15, which indicated she was cognitively intact. The assessment revealed her active diagnoses included bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. A review of the resident #94's EMR revealed the diagnoses of mood disorder with an onset date of 4/09/23 and bipolar disorder with an onset date of 4/09/23. The medical record contained a level I PASARR screening form dated 2/28/23 which did not indicate resident #94 had a MI or suspected MI. The record did not contain a Level II PASARR screening form. On 9/12/24 at 10:47 AM, the DON stated the PASARR dated 2/28/23 was incomplete. She confirmed there were no diagnoses listed on the form though the resident had diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The DON indicated the PASARR should have listed the MI or suspected MI diagnoses and was therefore incorrect. On 9/13/24 at 10:52 AM, the DON stated the company did not have a policy for which staff was responsible for updating the PASARRs.
CONCERN (E)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0865 (Tag F0865)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review of facility documentation, the facility failed to effectively implement Quality Assurance ...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, and record review of facility documentation, the facility failed to effectively implement Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) policies to ensure thorough monitoring of previously identified areas of concern and adequately track performance to ensure prior improvement measures were realized and sustained. Findings: Review of the facility's policy, Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement Plan revealed the following, All employees will participate in ongoing quality assurance and performance improvement efforts which support our mission by striving to provide excellent service for residents. The document indicated the QAPI committee was ultimately responsible to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements and continuous improvement in quality of care and customer satisfaction. In addition the QAPI committee would implement any Performance Improvement Projects (PIP) topics indicated by data analysis. PIPs were, Implemented in accordance with CMS' protocol for conducting PIPs. On 9/11/24 at 1:35 PM, the Nursing Home Administrator revealed the facility had identified a concern related to Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) and created a PIP. Review of the PIP revealed it was started on 5/08/24. The first step of the plan was for an audit to be completed on current residents to ensure each had a Level I PASARR completed. When asked for the audit, the Administrator provided a paper with a handwritten list of resident's names. The words, waiver or no waiver, was hand written next to the names. The audit did not include a date to indicate when it was completed, nor did it include what the audit consisted of. Review of the PIP section entitled Monitoring revealed the action step that the Director of Nursing/Designee would conduct audits on new admissions weekly x four weeks, then every two weeks x two months to ensure compliance. Review of the PIP document presented by the facility revealed no documentation under the heading, Status for the new admission audits. The Administrator then provided audits for newly admitted residents starting on 5/11/24. The Administrator was asked about resident #5 who was admitted on [DATE] and did not have a PASARR in their medical record. The Administrator explained as he was not in the facility that week the audit was not done for new residents admitted during that time. Review of the next weeks audit revealed Resident #5 was not added to those audit sheets either. The Administrator did not answer why the facility did not go back and review the new admissions on the off weeks for compliance, nor why 5 additional residents were found during the survey to have concerns with their PASARRs that had not been corrected by the facility. The Five Elements of QAPI include Governance and Leadership, in which the facility designates one or more persons be accountable for QAPI. Another element, the PIP is a concentrated focus on a particular problem and involves gathering information systematically to clarify issues or problems and intervene for improvement, (retrieved on 9/26/24 from www.cms.gov).
Jan 2023 4 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0561 (Tag F0561)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to honor choice of morning routines and schedules signif...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to honor choice of morning routines and schedules significant to support autonomy for 1 of 6 residents reviewed for choices from a total sample of 55 residents, (#66). Findings: A review the medical record revealed resident #66 was admitted to the facility 7/26/2019 with diagnoses including stroke and hemiplegia. Resident #66's Minimum Data Set (MDS) quarterly assessment dated [DATE] identified a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15 that indicated the resident was cognitively intact. Activities of daily living (ADL) showed the resident required assistance with transfers from the bed and getting dressed. The MDS admission comprehensive assessment with Assessment Reference Date of 7/28/2022 noted it was very important to the resident to choose what clothes to wear while in the facility. Resident #66's lifestyle and activity assessment evaluation dated 7/27/2022 indicated the resident formerly worked as a fashion advisor. Resident #66's care plan showed the resident was dependent on staff for emotional, intellectual, physical, and social stimulation related to physical limitations including weakness/decreased mobility, with a history of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) and hemiplegia/hemiparesis. On 1/23/2023 at 1:32 PM, resident #66 said it was very important for her to get out of bed and get dressed between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM. The resident explained she was frequently required to wait for 2 hours or longer after requesting staff's assistance to get out of bed and dressed in the morning. She said she was regularly prevented from her customary routine which upset her and caused distress because she could not, start her day. Resident #66's current Visual/Bedside [NAME] Report for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) use showed the resident required transfer and dressing assistance. The report did not include person-centered customary routines or preferences. On 1/25/2023 at 12:25 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) said resident preferences were discussed with care plan updates during clinical meetings. The DON explained customary routines were important because a resident may be negatively affected when they were not honored. On 1/25/2023 at 12:28 PM, the Caring Way Unit Manager said the DON and Unit Managers ensured preference documentation was completed so CNAs were aware of the resident's care choices. The Unit Manager stated care plan updates were imported to the CNA [NAME] where everything about the resident was noted. She explained the [NAME] was important, especially when an agency CNA wasn't familiar with the resident and had been assigned. The Unit Manager acknowledged resident #66's preferred schedule and routines were not included in the [NAME] for CNAs to see. She explained it was important for a resident to have choices as the facility was their home, and not accommodating them negatively affected mood and energy. On 1/26/2023 at 9:43 AM, CNA M said not all CNAs knew resident #66 wanted to get up and dressed early. On 1/26/2023 at 10:01 AM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) I stated she was aware resident #66 liked to get out of bed and wanted to be up and dressed early. LPN I said CNAs only knew of residents preferences as indicated in their software documentation, familiarity with the resident, or by receiving verbal communication from other staff. On 1/26/23 at 10:26 AM, the MDS Coordinator said residents were interviewed for specific preferences and they were discussed at care plan meetings. She stated resident #66's last care plan meeting was 11/1/2022. The MDS Coordinator explained the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) updated care plans and MDS was ultimately responsible. On 1/26/23 at 10:45 AM, the Social Services Assistant said nurses were responsible for entering resident preferences to the medical record software for CNAs to be aware. She explained resident #66 was an early riser, and it was important for the resident to, be up and dressed as early as 7:30 AM. The facility's welcome packet, pages 20-21, titled Attachment 3 read, (a)(1) A facility must treat each resident with respect and dignity and care for each resident in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of his or her quality of life, recognizing each resident's individuality. The facility must protect and promote the rights of the resident, and (c) (3) (iii) Incorporate the resident's personal and cultural preferences in developing goals of care. The Facility assessment dated [DATE], page 6, titled, Other 1.7, read, The Facility's Lifestyles Director meets with the resident upon admission to obtain the individualized daily living preferences to ensure they can continue life on their own schedule while residing in the facility as much as the facility can . we are flexible with resident schedules. , page 8, Part 2, Find out what resident's preferences and routines are; what makes a good day for the resident; what upsets him/her and incorporate this information into the care planning process. Make sure staff caring for the resident have this information. Record and discuss treatment and care preferences.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

ADL Care (Tag F0677)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide adequate personal hygiene related to nail care...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide adequate personal hygiene related to nail care for 1 of 4 dependent residents reviewed for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) of a total sample of 55 residents, (#91). Findings: Review of resident #91's medical record revealed he was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, glaucoma, hearing loss, and dementia. Review of resident #91's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment with Assessment Reference Date of 11/15/22 revealed he had a Brief Interview for Mental Status score of 12 which indicated he had moderate cognitive impairment. The MDS showed resident #91 required extensive assistance on staff for dressing, and personal hygiene. The assessment noted no rejection of care necessary to obtain goals for his health and well-being. Review of the admission readmission Nursing Packet dated 8/9/22 included a Skin Assessment. The assessment revealed thickening and extremely long fingernails. On 1/23/23 at 11:53 AM, during a medication pass observation with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) H, resident #91 showed his fingernails and asked the nurse when his nails were going to be trimmed. All fingernails were long, thick, and curved with light brown substance underneath the nails. She responded by informing the resident that the podiatrist had to trim his fingernails. On 1/24/23 at 5:36 PM, resident #91 showed his long fingernails and stated the podiatrist saw him today. He explained the podiatrist cut his toenails and told him he could not touch him from the knees up. He indicated the facility had not found anyone who could trim his fingernails. On 1/25/23 at 5:48 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) G stated most of her assigned residents needed assistance with their ADLs. She indicated resident #91 refused showers occasionally but she provided a head-to-toe bed bath. She stated she was aware his fingernails were long, and this had been addressed with management. On 1/25/23 at 5:55 PM, the Unit Manager (UM) for the East Coast Unit explained shortly after resident #91 was admitted to the facility, a podiatrist trimmed his fingernails. She stated a second podiatrist examined resident #91 yesterday and said he could not trim his fingernails. She stated CNAs had tried to file them, but tissue was growing under them, and they did not want to cause bleeding. On 1/26/23 at 10:03 AM, the UM explained she spent time interacting with the residents in her unit to better know them and their needs. She stated they had discussed resident #91 fingernails issue multiple times during the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and the facility was seeking a referral to address it. She shared there were many discussions about the nail care he required. She indicated a podiatrist had seen resident #91 on 8/27/22 and provided nail care. She stated his fingernails had looked the same ever since he was admitted to the facility. She indicated this had been a continuous concern for this resident. The UM could not provide any evidence of the IDT discussions or contacts made for outside resources. She reviewed his medical record for progress notes and could not find any regarding nail care. She indicated CNAs could provide nail care but not if the resident was diabetic. The UM stated it was within the CNAs' scope of practice to keep resident #91's nails cleaned. She stated CNAs could not trim them because his fingernails were very thick. The UM stated she and her staff were aware of his need, but unaware which physician could provide the services resident #91 needed. On 1/26/23 at 4:14 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) stated she spoke with the podiatrist on Tuesday 1/24/23 after he saw resident #91. She explained the physician told her resident #91 had a medical condition called onychomycosis with onychogryphosis and it was not safe for anyone in the facility to trim his nails. She mentioned the physician told her resident #91 needed to see a hand specialist. She indicated the previous podiatrist who had seen resident #91 back in August 2022 filed them. The DON stated this was the first time she had encountered a situation like this one. She explained they did not pursue anything in August because the physician made no recommendations and the long fingernails did not affect the resident in any way, and he continued getting his ADLs. Review of resident #91's nursing care plan for ADLs initiated on 8/09/22 revealed he required assistance with ADL functions due to chronic conditions which included history of stroke, diabetes, and risk for injury. The care plan interventions listed grooming: someone must assist the resident to groom himself. Review of the Certified Nursing Assistant job description, dated 8/15/19, responsibilities included, Attend the individual needs of residents which may include assistance with grooming, bathing . or other needs in keeping with the individuals' care requirement, and scope of practice. Review of the Activities of Daily Support, Support policy and procedure not dated read, Resident who are unable to carry out activities of daily living independently will receive the services necessary to maintain good nutrition, grooming and personal and oral hygiene. The policy revealed, Appropriate care and services will be provided for resident who are unable to carry out ADLs independently . including appropriate support and assistance with: Hygiene (bathing, dressing, grooming, nail care and oral care).
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0688 (Tag F0688)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide services and treatments to prevent further de...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide services and treatments to prevent further decrease in range of motion for 1 of 5 residents reviewed for positioning and mobility of a total sample of 55 residents, (#112). Findings: Resident #112 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnosis of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, contracture of right ankle, contracture of left ankle and contracture of muscles of left hand. Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) quarterly assessment with assessment reference date (ARD) of 12/16/22 revealed resident #112 had short-term and long-term memory problems and severely impaired cognitive skills for daily decision making. She required extensive to total assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and did not resist care. The assessment revealed she had limited range of motion (ROM) to one side of her body for upper extremities and both sides of her body for lower extremities. A care plan for ADL assistance required was initiated 9/19/22 and revised on 9/21/22. The care plan revealed resident #112 required assistance due to multiple factors which included contractures of both legs, right knee and left hand. Interventions included left hand splint as ordered. Review of resident #112's medical record revealed a physician order dated 12/06/22 for left wrist splint to be applied in the morning and removed in the afternoon as tolerated. Review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and Treatment Administration Record (TAR) for December 2022 and January 2023 revealed no nursing documentation to validate resident #112's left hand splint was applied as ordered. Review of the progress notes revealed no documentation related to resident #112's left hand splint. On 1/23/23 at 11:06 AM, 1/24/23 at 9:25 AM, 1/25/23 at 10:14 AM and 1/25/23 at 2:59 PM, resident #112 was observed in bed. She did not have a splint on her left hand. A left-hand splint was noted to be on the nightstand next to resident #112's bed during the observations. On 1/25/23 at 10:27 AM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) C stated she was familiar with resident #112. She reported the resident required assistance with ADLs. She explained she provided ROM as part of ADL care but did not apply the splint. CNA C clarified therapy applied splints. On 1/25/23 at 2:54 PM, the Therapy Director reported resident #112 was not currently on caseload. She clarified therapy did not don and doff the splint once the resident was discharged from therapy. She stated if a resident discharged from therapy with a splint, therapy educated the CNA on how to don and doff the splint and when it should be worn. She explained the resident would also be referred to restorative nursing therapy. The Therapy Director reviewed the record for resident #112 and confirmed she should have a left wrist splint put on in the morning and removed in the afternoon. On 1/25/23 at 3:01 PM, the Restorative Nurse stated she had just started in the position recently. She explained she had a meeting with the Director of Nursing (DON) and Therapy Director on 1/19/23 about getting the restorative program up and running again. She was unable to identify who performed ROM or application of splints. On 1/25/23 at 3:03 PM, the MDS Coordinator stated she and the Restorative Nurse were new to the facility and had started recently. She recalled the DON approached her after the Restorative Nurse started. The DON informed her she wanted to get the whole restorative program up and running. The MDS Coordinator stated she did not know whether or not part of the program was in place. She reviewed the physician orders for resident #112 and confirmed the order for a left wrist splint. The MDS Coordinator was unable to provide documentation showing application of the splint. On 1/25/23 at 3:26 PM, the Regional Nurse Consultant (RNC) confirmed a meeting was held on 1/19/23 to discuss the restorative program. She stated she was unsure how long the restorative program had not been functional but believed that some residents received ROM and splinting by CNAs. She stated the nurses documented on the MAR if the splint was applied. On 1/25/23 at 4:25 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) A confirmed resident #112 was on her assignment. She stated she was familiar with the resident and had worked with her previously. She explained she had never put on or removed resident #112's splint. LPN A clarified therapy took care of the splints. She stated splint applications were signed on either the MAR or TAR. On 1/25/23 at 4:42 PM, the LPN Nurse Supervisor reviewed the physician orders for resident #112 and confirmed the order for a left wrist splint dated 12/06/22. She reviewed the MAR and TAR for January 2023 and acknowledged the order was not on either. The LPN Nurse Supervisor then checked the order type on the physician order and explained the order was coded as Other orders (no documentation required). She stated each physician order entered into the electronic record would be placed into an order type which would determine whether the order appeared on the MAR or TAR for documentation. She then reviewed the CNA tasks and [NAME] for resident #112 and confirmed the application of the splint was not located on either. The LPN Nurse Supervisor acknowledged there was no documentation to show the splint had been applied as ordered.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Respiratory Care (Tag F0695)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide appropriate care and services for oxygen thera...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide appropriate care and services for oxygen therapy for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for respiratory care of a total sample of 55 residents, (#105). Findings: Resident #105 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and most recently re-admitted on [DATE]. Her diagnoses included cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Review of the admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment with assessment reference date 11/23/22 revealed resident #105 was cognitively intact, and had physical or verbal behaviors towards herself or others. Resident #105 was assessed as needing extensive assistance from at least two staff for bed mobility, transfers from surface to surface and dressing. She required extensive assistance from one staff for eating and personal hygiene. Resident #105 was noted to require use of oxygen and received hospice care. Resident #105 had a care plan for altered cardiovascular status related to diagnoses of anemia, arrythmia, heart failure and other heart related diagnoses. Interventions included staff to administer oxygen (O2) per physician's orders. Review of resident #105's medical record revealed no other care plans related to oxygen use. On 1/24/23 at 10:05 AM, resident #105 was observed in her room, alert and oriented to person, place and time. She was wearing a nasal cannula connected to an oxygen concentrator with an attached humidifier operating. The oxygen concentrator was set at 3 liters of oxygen per minute (LPM). Resident #105 stated she was not sure who was supposed to fill the humidifier with water, but said her husband did it when the water would get low, usually every other day. Review of the Medication Review Report dated 01/24/23 revealed a physician's order for Respiratory-Oxygen nasal cannula/mask continuous. Encourage and assist resident to use O2 at 2 LPM via nasal cannula continuously for hypoxemia every shift dated 11/16/22. Additional orders were in place to change O2 tubing/mask/bag every week on Sundays and as needed dated 11/16/22. There were no orders for oxygen humidification found. On 1/24/23 at approximately 5:30 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) A observed resident #105 in her room and confirmed resident #105's O2 concentrator was set at 3 LPM with the humidifier in place. LPN A returned to the nurse's station and reviewed the physician orders. She confirmed resident #105 did not have orders for the humidification and acknowledged the order was for 2 LPM not 3. When asked why she had not noticed resident #105's oxygen was set on 3 LPM or why there was no order for the humidification she stated resident #105 came over from the rehabilitation unit with the humidification and O2 concentrator set at 3 LPM. On 1/24/23 at approximately 5:35 PM, the Key [NAME] Unit Manager explained the resident needed to have an order for oxygen with humidity, and the nurse was responsible to change or refill the water in the canister. She was unable to say why resident #105 did not have an order for the humidified oxygen nor why the concentrator was set at 3 LPM instead of the ordered 2 LPM. She stated she would clarify the order with the physician and Hospice. On 1/26/23 at 9:58 AM, the Director of Nursing stated if the physician determined the resident needed oxygen she expected the staff to follow those orders. She stated she did not believe the facility had a protocol for the humidification of oxygen, but stated she thought if there was no order the staff should follow the care plan instead. Review of the Oxygen Administration policy with revision date October 2010 revealed the purpose to provide guidelines for oxygen administration. The guidelines indicated oxygen therapy was administered per physician's orders and/or facility protocol.
Mar 2021 3 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0687 (Tag F0687)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to arrange diabetic shoe services for a diabetic residen...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to arrange diabetic shoe services for a diabetic resident who had a history of toe wounds for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for non-pressure wounds in a total of 47 sampled residents, (#50). Findings: Resident #50 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy with diminished sensation to her right lower extremity, left above the knee amputation (AKA), and rheumatoid arthritis. The resident's most recent quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment revealed her Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 14 out of 15 which indicated no cognitive impairment. On 3/15/21 at 12:33 PM, the resident was observed with Registered Nurse (RN) E. Resident #50 said she had a wound on her right big toe. She pointed to the tennis shoe on her right foot and said the inside of the tennis shoe had rubbed against her big toe and caused the wound. RN E indicated the resident's toe wound started as a blister, became scabbed and then healed. The nurse said resident #50 presently had an order for Skin Prep treatment to the tip of her big right toe to protect and toughen the skin. The resident's shoes were made from a soft, stretchable cloth. The toe portion of the shoes were pointed in shape and the resident was not wearing socks. Review of a nurse's progress note dated 2/14/21 at 9:15 AM read, While being assisted to bed the customer [resident #50] complained of pain to right great toe. CNA [Certified Nursing Assistant] notified nurse and assessment finds hard darkened area at distal end of great toe. Customer [resident #50] states area hurts when it is touched and has been bothering her when it rubs against the inside of her shoe Review of the physician's treatment orders dated 2/14/21 for right toe wound included, Apply skin prep to right great toe, every shift for wound care . and Wound consult for right great toe. Both orders were dated 2/14/21. Review of a skin progress note dated 2/15/21 at 2:42 PM read, Tip of right toe has a hard flat area which looks like a callous or dried blister. Shoe may be too short causing toe to rub against it. On 2/15/21, a telephone order from the primary care physician read, No shoe on right foot until wound on right great toe resolves. On 2/15/21, resident #50's CNA Plan of Care [NAME] for Activities of Daily Living Care (ADLs) was amended to read, Dressing - no shoe to right foot. On 2/18/21, resident #50's right great distal toe wound was assessed by the wound care Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) consultant. His notes read . footwear trauma . discomfort with palpation .Wound #1 status is open, original cause of wound was blister. The wound is currently classified as an unclassifiable wound with etiology of trauma, and is located on the right distal toe, great. The wound measures 1.1 centimeter (cm) length x 1.1 cm width . no present amount of drainage noted .This is a dry, intact blister at the distal tip of the right great toe. This is a foot wear trauma, as the patient reportedly wears a shoe width is not a diabetic shoe .Ensure protection of the right foot. No shoe please. On 3/4/21, the APRN's wound care progress note revealed the right great toe distal wound was resolved. This is now a chronic, dry area of callus tissue. The APRN wrote, Continue to ensure protection of the right foot. No shoe please, until proper diabetic shoe can be obtained . On 3/4/21, the Unit Manager called resident #50's primary care physician and obtained a telephone order to allow the resident to wear her regular shoes because the wound to the right toe was resolved. This contraindicated the wound care physician's order for no shoe to the right foot until proper diabetic shoes could be obtained. On 3/17/21 at 2:45 PM, observation of resident #50's right great toe was conducted with RN E while the nurse applied Skin Prep treatment to the toe. RN E removed resident's right tennis shoe and applied Skin Prep to the distal end of the resident's great right toe. A scant amount of dried reddish residue was observed under a patch of dry cracked skin located to the right distal tip of the toe. The resident had a wide foot span at the toe area. Her tennis shoes were narrow in width than the width of her toe area. The resident reported she did not have diabetic shoes. RN E acknowledged the resident did not have diabetic shoes. RN E said she thought the Social Services Director (SSD) was responsible to obtain diabetic shoes for residents. On 3/18/21 at 12:35 PM, the SSD said the nursing department was responsible to obtain diabetic shoes for residents. On 03/18/21 at 2:13 PM, the Unit Manager (UM) revealed she was aware of the resident's toe wound caused by the shoes she wore. She said the nursing department was responsible to contact the therapy department when a referral for diabetic shoes was required. She stated the diabetic shoe vendor came to the facility once a year but had not been in the facility in 2020 due to Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic. She said the resident probably would not want wear the diabetic shoes as they were too plain, and the resident liked more stylish shoes. On 03/18/21 2:28 PM, a sample of a diabetic shoe that was wider and rounder in the toe area was shown to the resident by the UM. The resident said she would be willing to try the diabetic shoe to help prevent wounds on her toe. On 3/18/21 at 2:33 PM, the Therapy Director said she had a contact person to fit residents for diabetic shoes when needed. At 2:45 PM, the Therapy Director said she called the diabetic shoe vendor and someone would come to the facility today to fit resident #50 for diabetic shoes. On 03/18/21 at 4:06 PM, phone interview with the wound care APRN acknowledged that he treated resident #50's toe wound. He said it was initially a dried serous blister cap located at the distal end of the great right toe. He reiterated the etiology was shoe trauma and not a pressure ulcer. He stated that on 3/4/21, he had given an order for the resident to not wear a shoe on her right foot until a diabetic shoe was provided to prevent the reoccurrence of the toe wound. On 03/18/21 4:14 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) indicated that she and the Unit Managers were responsible to round with the wound care physician and follow up with his orders. On 3/18/21 at 4:51 PM, the UM acknowledged that she had made wound rounds with the wound care APRN and did not realize the wound care APRN had given the order on 3/4/21 for no shoe to be worn on the resident's right foot until proper diabetic shoes were obtained. She stated she had missed the order. On 3/18/21 at 5:14 PM, the DON stated the facility did not have a policy and procedure for foot care and services for diabetic residents.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Food Safety (Tag F0812)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to label or date food items in 1 of 3 Nourishment rooms, (Key West). Findings: On 3/17/21 at 11:12 AM, the Key [NAME] Nourishme...

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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to label or date food items in 1 of 3 Nourishment rooms, (Key West). Findings: On 3/17/21 at 11:12 AM, the Key [NAME] Nourishment Room freezer was noted with 1 gallon container of lactose free vanilla ice cream and a beef patty. The beef patty and the ice cream did not have names or dates on them. A sign posted on the freezer door read Attention Families and Staff for the safety and wellbeing of our customers everything put into this refrigerator must be 1. Labeled with the customer's name 2. Dated on the day it was put in the refrigerator 3. Items that are without a name or date will be discarded immediately 4. All items will be discarded after 3 days from the date on the item. On 3/17/21 at 11:22 AM, Certified Nursing Assistant, (CNA) B said she did not know who the food in the freezer belonged to. She added she was not aware food in the nourishment fridge/freezer needed to be labeled or dated. On 3/18/21 at 2:02 PM, the Director of Food Services said frozen items were harder to label. She said when food was received at the front desk from resident's family member, CNAs were responsible for labeling the food with date and name of resident. She added that food services staff checked food items for dates. She said there was no policy on food items in Nourishment Rooms.
CONCERN (E)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Safe Environment (Tag F0584)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to provide a homelike dining environment on 1 of 2 dining rooms, (Caring Way Secure Dining Room). Findings: On 3/15/21 at 12:20 PM, observation...

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Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to provide a homelike dining environment on 1 of 2 dining rooms, (Caring Way Secure Dining Room). Findings: On 3/15/21 at 12:20 PM, observations of the secure unit dining room revealed there were no tablecloths or napkins on the tables and lunch served in plastic/disposable dishware and flatware. On 3/15/21 at 12:37 PM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) F served soup and crackers in plastic bowls with disposable plastic spoons. There were no napkins served with the soup. On 3/15/21 at 12:46 PM, resident #471 stood up, walked across the room and asked CNA F for a napkin to use while she ate her soup. CNA F provided the resident with 3 brown paper towels from the handwashing sink. On 3/15/21 at 12:51 PM, resident #36 was observed eating her soup while her nose was dripping. There were no napkins on the table and she wiped her dripping nose on her hand. On 3/15/21 at 1:03 PM, resident #63 had chicken noodle soup and was spitting the chicken out into her hand as there were no napkins on the table. CNA C walked by her and told resident #63 to put the chewed food into another resident's dirty bowl. On 3/15/21 at 12:50 PM, 19 residents ate soup with plastic spoons and drank from Styrofoam cups at the 9 tables in the secure dining room. There were no tablecloths on any of the 9 tables. On 3/15/21 at 12:52 PM, laundry staff brought a plastic bag with tablecloths into the dining room halfway through the lunch meal. At this time, coffee cups and dirty soup bowl were removed from two tables and tablecloths placed. Tablecloths were not placed on the 7 remaining tables for the duration of the lunch meal. On 3/15/21 at 1:07 PM, residents #472 and #471 were served lunch on disposable paper trays with Styrofoam plates and disposable plasticware. There were no napkins provided. Resident #471 walked over to CNA F and asked for a napkin. CNA F gave her 3 brown paper towels from a nearby sink. All 19 residents were served prepackaged plasticware to eat their lunch meal. On 3/15/21 at approximately 1:30 PM, the Director of Food Services said some of the residents in the dining room wandered about so they all received prepackaged plasticware. She stated that with the pandemic, the kitchen served more paper products to all the residents on this unit. She added there was no specific policy for dining in the secure dining room. On 03/18/21 at 12:45 PM, CNA C said the secure unit dining room did not have tablecloths on as laundry staff brought clean tablecloths too late. She added that residents did not receive hard plastic cups or regular silverware as the kitchen only sent Styrofoam cups and disposable spoons.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

  • "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
  • "What safeguards are in place to prevent abuse and neglect?"
  • "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
  • "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"

Our Honest Assessment

Strengths
  • • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
Concerns
  • • Multiple safety concerns identified: Federal abuse finding, 3 life-threatening violation(s), $74,386 in fines. Review inspection reports carefully.
  • • 16 deficiencies on record, including 3 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
  • • $74,386 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Florida. Major compliance failures.
  • • Grade F (0/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
Bottom line: This facility has a substantiated abuse finding. Extreme caution advised. Explore alternatives.

About This Facility

What is Indian River Center's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns INDIAN RIVER CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Florida, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.

How is Indian River Center Staffed?

CMS rates INDIAN RIVER CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 47%, compared to the Florida average of 46%.

What Have Inspectors Found at Indian River Center?

State health inspectors documented 16 deficiencies at INDIAN RIVER CENTER during 2021 to 2025. These included: 3 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 13 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.

Who Owns and Operates Indian River Center?

INDIAN RIVER CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by ASTON HEALTH, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 179 certified beds and approximately 171 residents (about 96% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in WEST MELBOURNE, Florida.

How Does Indian River Center Compare to Other Florida Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Florida, INDIAN RIVER CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (47%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Indian River Center?

Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "What safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect residents from abuse or neglect?" "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations and the substantiated abuse finding on record.

Is Indian River Center Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, INDIAN RIVER CENTER has documented safety concerns. The facility has 1 substantiated abuse finding (meaning confirmed case of resident harm by staff or other residents). Inspectors have issued 3 Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Florida. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.

Do Nurses at Indian River Center Stick Around?

INDIAN RIVER CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 47%, which is about average for Florida nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.

Was Indian River Center Ever Fined?

INDIAN RIVER CENTER has been fined $74,386 across 1 penalty action. This is above the Florida average of $33,823. Fines in this range indicate compliance issues significant enough for CMS to impose meaningful financial consequences. Common causes include delayed correction of deficiencies, repeat violations, or care failures affecting resident safety. Families should ask facility leadership what changes have been made since these penalties.

Is Indian River Center on Any Federal Watch List?

INDIAN RIVER CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.