Desert Winds Assisted Living.

“Based on documentation review, observation, and interview, the manager failed to ensure there was a means of exiting the facility for a resident who does not have a key, special knowledge for egress, or the ability to expend increased physical effort that provided access to an outside area that allowed the resident to be 30 feet away from the facility and is secure. The deficient practice posed a risk if the facility was unaware of the general or specific whereabouts of a resident.   Findings include: 1. A review of the facility’s license issued by the Department revealed the facility was authorized to provide directed care services. 2. A review of the facility’s policies and procedures revealed a policy titled “Wander resident”. The policy stated, “The assisted living facility needs to provide access at all times to an outside area that is secure and allows the residents to be at least 30 feet away from the facility.” 3. A review of the facility’s policies and procedures revealed a policy titled “Building Access for Residents”. The policy stated, “If a resident is in the secured Memory Care Unit, […] They do have a secured courtyard in which they are able to come and go whenever they want”. 4. During an environmental inspection of the facility, the Compliance Officers observed that the facility’s courtyard in the Memory Care unit allowed the residents to be at least 30 feet away from the facility; however, the courtyard door leading to the street was unlocked and did not alert when opened.  5. In an interview, E2 reported that the courtyard door was later checked by another personnel, and the door was locked and alarmed. 6. In the exit interview, the findings were reviewed with E1, and no additional information was provided.”