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32 | On 7/5/2021, a medical professional visited R1 and observed “open wounds” which were not documented on the previous nurse visitation report. The medical professional asked the staff about the bruises and the staff stated R1’s “clothes caused the wounds” but did not provide any further information. The medical professional felt the observations were not consistent with the staff’s statement. On 7/6/2021, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check on R1. The staff at the facility stated R1 has very thin skin and it tears easily. The staff stated R1 gets combative when dressing which cases skin tears and bruising. The Deputy stated R1 was sleeping when they arrived but they were able to observe R1’s legs and did not observe any evidence of abuse.
On 7/21/2021 and 8/10/2022, LPA interviewed staff for this investigation. Staff stated R1 was “hard to care for.” Staff stated when assisting with toileting needs, staff would assist with taking down and pulling up R1’s pants. Staff described that the injuries happened when pulling the resident’s pants up and down. Staff treated the skin tears with a wet towel, Neosporin, and bandages. Staff stated R1 would kick the staff when they helped change her. Staff stated they would pull up R1’s pants and R1 would kick, and when R1 kicked the pants left a mark and cut R1’s leg. Staff stated the resident was “difficult to change.” Staff stated they told a nurse R1’s pants scratched R1’s legs. Staff described R1 as bruising easily, marking easily, and having sensitive skin. Staff also stated R1 would bite them if they got too close. Staff were all consistent in their descriptions of R1 when interviewed.
On 7/1/2021, a Home Health nurse indicated they observed blood on R1’s sock and shin, and bloody gauze taped to the skin with bandaids. The nurse noted 5 different wounds on R1’s legs. Staff stated the wound occurred when R1 was wearing clothes that were too tight, and staff had been treating the wound with first aid. The nurse’s notes indicates R1 was unable to answer questions about the injuries.
On 9/12/2022, LPA interview R1’s physician. R1’s physician stated they did not observe the wounds first-hand, but knew of the concerns raised by other medical professionals. R1’s physician stated R1’s skin tears could have opened at some point but should close eventually. R1’s physician stated “elderly people can have skin tears from anything like even from rolling over in bed, its very possible.” R1’s physician stated they remembered the facility being attentive to R1. LPA interviewed a credible witness who stated they had never observed abuse in the facility and did not have any concerns about abuse. Administrator stated they spoke with R1’s family member when the incident occurred, and R1’s family member did not believe the injuries were intentional. LPA interviewed 4 residents and R'1s family member who also confirmed residents were well cared for.
Based on the evidenced obtained, there is insufficient evidence to suggest staff abuse led to R1 sustaining injuries. Therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. |