CARBONDALE, CO - Federal health inspectors cited Heritage Park Care Center for failing to provide adequate range of motion therapy to residents with limited mobility during an August 29, 2024 inspection.
Range of Motion Care Failures
The facility received violations under federal regulation F688, which requires nursing homes to ensure residents with limited mobility receive appropriate treatment and services to maintain or improve their range of motion. Inspectors found that Heritage Park Care Center failed to meet these basic care requirements for vulnerable residents.
Range of motion exercises are medically necessary for residents who cannot move independently. These therapeutic movements help maintain joint flexibility, prevent muscle contractures, and preserve whatever mobility residents may have. Without proper range of motion care, residents can experience rapid deterioration in their physical condition.
Medical Consequences of Inadequate Care
When nursing homes fail to provide proper range of motion therapy, residents face serious health risks. Joint contractures can develop within weeks, permanently limiting a person's ability to move their arms, legs, or other body parts. Muscle atrophy occurs when muscles are not regularly moved through their full range, leading to weakness and further mobility loss.
Additionally, immobile residents who do not receive adequate range of motion care are at increased risk for pressure ulcers, blood clots, and respiratory complications. The lack of movement can also contribute to depression and cognitive decline, as physical activity plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being.
Industry Standards and Requirements
Federal regulations require nursing homes to assess each resident's range of motion capabilities and provide appropriate interventions. This includes passive range of motion exercises performed by trained staff for residents who cannot move independently, and active or active-assisted exercises for those with some mobility.
Proper range of motion care should be documented in each resident's care plan and performed according to physician orders or therapy recommendations. Staff must be trained in proper techniques to avoid injury while helping residents maintain joint flexibility and muscle function.
The therapy should be provided consistently, typically multiple times per week, and adjusted based on the resident's condition and response to treatment. Physical therapists often develop specific exercise protocols that nursing staff must follow to ensure residents receive appropriate care.
Facility Response and Oversight
Heritage Park Care Center must develop and implement a plan of correction to address the identified deficiencies. This plan must demonstrate how the facility will ensure all residents with limited mobility receive proper range of motion assessment and treatment going forward.
The facility is required to train staff on proper range of motion techniques and establish systems to monitor compliance with care plans. Regular audits and documentation reviews help ensure residents receive the therapy they need to maintain their physical function.
State health officials will conduct follow-up inspections to verify that Heritage Park Care Center has corrected the identified problems and implemented sustainable improvements to their range of motion care programs.
Impact on Resident Care
The failure to provide adequate range of motion care can significantly impact residents' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Residents who lose joint flexibility may require more intensive care and experience greater discomfort in their daily activities.
Family members should understand the importance of range of motion therapy and can advocate for their loved ones by asking about care plans and observing whether staff are providing the prescribed exercises. Regular communication with facility staff and attendance at care plan meetings can help ensure residents receive appropriate treatment.
This violation highlights the importance of consistent, quality care for nursing home residents who depend on facility staff for their basic health and mobility needs. Proper range of motion therapy is not optional but a fundamental requirement for maintaining residents' physical function and preventing further decline.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Heritage Park Care Center from 2024-08-29 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
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