The resident, identified as R9 in inspection records, has severe cognitive impairment with a score of zero out of 15 on cognitive testing. He uses a wheelchair for mobility and requires assistance with daily activities due to weakness and dementia.
On December 9, inspectors found R9's bed touching his baseboard heater with the room temperature set to 75 degrees. Both inspectors touched the heater and had to pull their hands away immediately because it was so hot.
"The wall is hotter than hell," R9 told inspectors, who had his permission to examine the heater.
R9 explained that his fingers have accidentally touched the baseboard heater while sleeping, and the heat makes him jump. His bed was in the low position during the inspection, putting his hands within reach of the scalding unit.
The next day, a licensed practical nurse accompanied inspectors back to R9's room. When asked about the distance between the bed and heater, the nurse agreed they were "too close together."
Federal inspectors classified the violation as immediate jeopardy to resident health and safety. The facility has multiple residents with beds and furniture positioned dangerously close to baseboard heaters throughout the building.
R9 has a history of falling, tremor, and bone degeneration in addition to his dementia diagnosis. He can transfer himself at times but requires staff assistance for shower transfers.
The inspection was conducted in response to a complaint about the facility's heating safety practices.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Tomah Nursing and Rehab from 2025-12-22 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.