THE GARDENS AT BLUE RIDGE
LOCATED: 3625 NORTH PROGRESS AVE, HARRISBURG, PA 17110

THE GARDENS AT BLUE RIDGE 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 protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

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

Based on observation, review of clinical records, facility documentation, facility policies and procedures, and interviews with staff, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure residents were free from staff abuse, which resulted in sexual harassment and sexual abuse to two out of 56 residents reviewed (Resident 1, 2).

Review of a facility event report dated (MONTH) 14, (YEAR), for an incident that occurred on (MONTH) 13, (YEAR), at 5:00 p.m. revealed that Resident 1 complained that Employee 1 has touched him inappropriately, by rubbing his leg above the amputation site, and touching his genitalia on multiple occasions while giving personal care in the therapy gym. Resident 1 also revealed Employee 1 has made inappropriate sexual comments, such as Boy you have a big dick.

Review of a Physical Therapy Treatment Encounter Notes dated (MONTH) 7, (YEAR), at 3:52 p.m. signed by Employee 1 revealed, Gentle massage was given on his right stump and was rub with lotion d/t (do to) skin dryness.

Review of a Physical Therapy Treatment Encounter Notes dated (MONTH) 13, (YEAR), at 3.55 p.m. signed by Employee 2 revealed, Patient expressed concerns over working with PT (Physical Therapist/Employee 1). Informed RPM (Rehab Program Manager) and statement was written. Educated patient this writer spoke with the Orthotic provider yesterday and they reported patient needs to be self massaging residual (remaining) limb to de-sensitize to improve tolerance to wear prosthetic (artificial limb). Educated patient on correct massage technique and to perform residual limb desensitization massage several times per day.

Reiew of Resident 2’s annual MDS dated (MONTH) 24, (YEAR), revealed Resident 2’s BIMS was 12, which indicates cognitive status is moderately impaired.

Review of a facility event report dated (MONTH) 9, (YEAR), for an incident that occurred on (MONTH) 9, (YEAR), at 5:00 p.m. revealed that Resident 2 complained that Employee 1 has touched him inappropriately, he became too familiar with my junk, he juggled them, stretched it, and asked me if it got bigger. Resident 2 went on to say this has occurred multiple times over a period of about four weeks. During an interview on (MONTH) 21, (YEAR), starting at approximately 2:15 p.m., Resident 2 stated that he didn’t report the incidents because I thought at first it was just part of changing me, but when it happened all the time, I knew what was up.

Review of a physician report dated (MONTH) 9, (YEAR), revealed Resident 2 is seen today to follow up on his condition. I was told around 1440 (2:40 p.m.) by Licensed Practical Nurse 1 that the pt (patient) was self propelling in the hallway when he told her that PT (Physical Therapist) Employee 1 has been molesting him.

Review of Employee 1’s personnel file revealed the employee was hired on (MONTH) 11, (YEAR), and there was no evidence that Employee 1 was provided with Abuse Training as per the facility’s policy.

During an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator on (MONTH) 1, (YEAR), at 8:00 a.m. it was revealed she had a conversation on (MONTH) 28, (YEAR), with the police detective doing the incident investigation. The detective informed the Nursing Home Administrator, that Employee 1 gave a confession stating, he touched residents inappropriately and made inappropriate comments. The detective also disclosed that charges were going to be filed against Employee 1 for Simple Assault. On (MONTH) 27, (YEAR), charges were filed for indecent assault without the consent of others.

During an interview on (MONTH) 9, (YEAR), at 11:10 a.m. the Nursing Home Administrator disclosed the expectation that Employee 1 should have been given abuse training prior to starting, in accordance with Gardens at Blue Ridge abuse policy. She also expected that the facility owner and the contract agency should have notified her when a contract employee is starting work at the facility. She expects all residents at the facility to be free from any form of sexual abuse including, verbal inappropriate comments about resident genitals or physically touching residents’ genitals without residents’ consent.

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 have helped many already and we can help you and your loved one as well by filing a state complaint, hiring a specialized nursing home attorney or helping 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.