Autumn Lake Healthcare at Norwalk

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Norwalk, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF550Mar 17, 2026

  Based on clinical record reviews, resident interviews, review of policy and staff interviews for 2 of 7 residents reviewed for choices (Residents #62 and #80), the facility failed to ensure residents were not restricted from an outdoor common area without an individualized assessment and failed to notify residents of rule changes. The findings included: 1.Resident #62's diagnoses included polyneuropathy (a painful nerve condition that affects several areas of the body at the same time) and insomnia.A physician's order dated 9/17/2025 directed Resident #62's ambulation status as independent using a two-wheeled walker on/off the unit and in the community for Leave of Absence) LOA.A quarterly activity review dated 1/23/2026 identified that some of Resident #62's favorite activities included… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF561Mar 17, 2026

  Based on clinical record review, facility documents, review of facility policy and interviews for 1 of 7 residents (Resident # 57) reviewed for choices, the facility failed to ensure that the resident received scheduled showers as per resident preferences. The findings include: Resident #57's diagnoses included muscle weakness and difficulty walking.The annual MDS assessment dated [DATE] identified Resident #57 as cognitively intact and was dependent for shower and bathing and required partial to moderate assistance for tub and shower transfers. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF726Mar 17, 2026

  Based on review of facility assessment, review of facility documentation and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure all Nurse Aide Resident Care competencies were completed for 2025. The findings include: The Facility Assessment Tool reviewed on 1/13/2026 indicated staff training/education and competencies( skill checks) are necessary to provide the level and types of support and care needed for the resident population. An interview and facility document review on 3/13/2026 at 11:23 AM with the ADNS, responsible for staff development in the facility identified the Nurse Aide Resident Care competencies (observations made to ensure a person can provide care to meet the needs of the residents) had been completed in 2024. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF761Mar 17, 2026

  Based on review of the clinical record review, observations, review of policy and staff interviews for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for Communication ( Resident # 38), the facility failed to ensure normal saline syringes for flushing an Intravenous Therapy ( IV) line were stored appropriately and the facility failed to ensure saline flushes and IV supplies for resident use, stored in the medication rooms were labeled appropriately. The findings included: 1.Resident #38's diagnosis included Sepsis(an infection that had spread to the bloodstream).The admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE] indicated Resident #38 was cognitively intact had an intravenous (IV) device and was receiving intravenous(IV)medication. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Mar 17, 2026

  Based on observation, facility policy and staff interviews for 1 of 18 residents on Enhanced barrier precautions ( Resident #69),the facility did not ensure proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was readily available and for 5 of the 18 residents (Residents #5, #88, #121,#132 and #160) on enhanced Barrier precautions, the facility did not ensure trash receptacles were available to dispose of the used PPE prior to exiting the resident's rooms.The findings included: 1. Resident #69 's diagnoses included diverticulitis with perforation and ileostomy.During observations conducted on 3/9/26 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3/10/26 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and 3/11/26 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, surveyors observed multiple residents designated as requiring Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP).For… […]