Degraff Memorial Hospital-Skilled Nursing Facility

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Degraff Memorial Hospital-Skilled Nursing Facility, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF689Oct 3, 2024

  Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews conducted during a complaint investigation (NY00346092) conducted during an extended standard survey from 9/26/2024 to 10/3/2024, the facility did not to ensure that each resident receives adequate supervision to prevent accidents for three (Residents #12, 14, and 29) of three reviewed. Specifically, the facility did not monitor the wander guard signaling device's (tag/bracelet) battery life/functionality of those that were assigned (#12, 14, 29) and Resident #14 exited the building unsupervised without staff's knowledge. In addition, the facility staff lacked education and training regarding the wander alert system and policy. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF867Oct 3, 2024

  Based on interview and record review conducted during an extended survey completed on 10/3/24, the facility's quality assurance and performance improvement program did not perform improvement activities that tracked adverse resident events, analyze their causes, and implement preventative actions and mechanisms that include feedback and learning throughout the facility. Specifically, the facility did not ensure their WanderGuard policy was updated; that staff were educated about the wander guard system, and did not ensure preventive actions were implemented to ensure resident safety. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF689Dec 9, 2022

  Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during an Abbreviated survey (Complaint # NY00305155) completed on 12/9/22, the facility did not ensure that the resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as possible, and each resident receives adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents for two (Resident #1 and #2) of three residents reviewed. Specifically, every shift (Q shift) safety checks of Resident #1's wander guard device did not occur after the device was assigned, and every 15-minute checks were not performed while the wander guard system was not functional (#1 and #2). […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF700Jun 2, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a survey, the facility failed to follow the manufacturers' recommendations and specifications for installing and maintaining bed rails for two (2) (Resident #2 and Resident #74) of two (2) residents reviewed. Specifically, Resident #2 and Resident #74 had a bed assist rail that was not secured to its bed frame. The findings include: The facility policy and procedure titled Transfer/Bed Mobility Bar, revised 02/24/2026, documented when installing transfer bars, the facility would follow manufacturer recommendations to ensure that the transfer bars were compatible with the bed frame and mattress and follow manufacturer instructions to ensure bed rails did not pose a risk for entrapment. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF609Dec 8, 2025

  Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during an Abbreviated survey (Complaint #2678647), the facility did not ensure that all alleged abuse violations were reported immediately but not later than two (2) hours after the allegation was made to the Administrator of the facility and to the State Survey Agency for one (1) (Resident #1) of three (3) residents reviewed. Specifically, staff did not report an allegation of physical abuse to the Administrator immediately which resulted in delayed reporting to the New York State Department of Health within the required time frames. […]