Tennessee investigators recently responded to a complaint alleging neglect of a resident in a nursing home, and their investigation found information that resulted in charges of patient neglect and the indictment of two caregiving employees.
According to the charges and indictment, the two caregivers left a 69-year-old female resident in a hot shower for an extended period of time without monitoring her or the temperature of the water. Consequently, the resident sustained burns that required her to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
The accused employees both turned themselves in, and each faces one count of Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. They are being held without bond.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Failure by caregivers to ensure that the temperature of water in showers is safe for bathing, and failure to provide monitoring of residents taking showers, may be deemed abuse and neglect, jeopardizing the safety of residents and violating state and federal regulations. Caregivers convicted of such abuse and neglect may face fines and imprisonment.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures regarding protocols for monitoring water temperatures to ensure that they are within the safe range per state requirements at the point of resident access. Also review protocols for monitoring of residents while they are bathing or showering.
- Train staff regarding abuse and neglect, protocols to follow for F-Tag 689 Free from Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices, and for routine monitoring of water temperatures at the point of resident access.
- Periodically audit to ensure that assigned personnel check water temperatures routinely at the point of resident access, that caregiving staff are diligent in checking water temperatures for showers and tub baths at the time of use to ensure water is not too hot or too cold, and that residents are being appropriately monitored when bathing or showering.
