WESTCHASE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER
LOCATED: 8820 TOWN PARK DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77036

WESTCHASE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER was cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:

PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey submitted by DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES. The full report/survey can be found here.

FACILITY FAILED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE NURSING HOME AREA IS FREE FROM ACCIDENT HAZARDS AND RISKS AND PROVIDES SUPERVISION TO PREVENT AVOIDABLE ACCIDENTS

LEVEL OF HARM –ACTUAL HARM

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure resident’s environment remained as free of accident hazards as was possible, and each resident received adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent an accident for one of seven residents (CR#1) reviewed for accidents and supervision. CR# 1 incurred a fall while two aides were utilizing a Hoyer lift in transferring him from a bed in his room to a shower bed (stretcher) in the hallway. The Hoyer lift tilted and caused CR #1 to fall and sustain an acute fracture of the proximal tibia and fibula on [DATE]. CR #1 was transferred to the hospital following the fall where he died on [DATE]. This failure affected CR# 1 who sustained fractures and placed 51 residents at risk of not receiving safe assistance with Hoyer lift transfers which could lead to injuries.

Interview on [DATE] at 3:40 p.m., the DON said the facility determined the aides did not properly use the Hoyer lift during the transfer of CR#1 which resulted in the Hoyer lift tilting over. She said she was of the opinion that the aides lowered the resident to the floor and the fall occurred while the resident was being transferred back to bed from the shower bed. The DON further said the aides should not use the Hoyer lift as a mode of transportation. She said it was determined the base of the Hoyer lift was closed instead of open which caused the lift to tilt over. The DON agreed there were lots of inconsistent documentation regarding the incident which the facility should have identified during their investigation. The DON said the two aides were re-educated and she would continue to educate staff on proper use of the lift. She explained the two aides were given verbal education and they watched a video on Hoyer lift use. The DON was asked why other facility staff were not trained and if a return demonstration was conducted with the staff using the facility Hoyer lifts, and she said no.

Interview on [DATE] at 4:35 p.m., the facility Administrator agreed the incident could have been avoided if staff used the right technique during CR#1’s transfer. She further said the facility identified the staff needed additional training which was given. The Administrator agreed the facility did not ensure the safety of the residents dependent on Hoyer lift for transfer when they failed to train staff on the proper use of the Hoyer lifts in the facility instead of a video and also to ensure understanding of training with return demonstration.

Record review of facility policy on abuse and neglect prohibition dated [DATE] revealed each resident has the right to free from mistreatment, neglect, abuse, involuntary seclusion, injuries of unknown origin and misappropriation of property. Facility census dated [DATE] listed 51 residents required the use of the Hoyer lift for transfers.

Personal Note from NHA-Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.

You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately.

We can help you and your loved one file a state complaint, hire a specialized nursing home attorney or help you find a more suitable location for your loved one.

Contact us through our CONTACT FORM located on our website here below or on the sidebar or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262.

You can make a difference even if your loved one has already passed away.