Good Samaritan Society Howard

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Good Samaritan Society Howard, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF689May 21, 2026

  Based on interview, observation, record review, and policy review, the provider failed to ensure an environment free from accident hazards for one of one sampled resident (24) with a diagnosis of hemiplegia (paralysis effecting one side of the body) following cerebral infarction (a stroke) who, while reaching for his call light, fell, hit his head, and sustained a laceration (a deep cut) to his left arm when left unattended in his bathroom, seated on the toilet, with a stand aid (a manual lift used to assist a person from a seated to a standing position) positioned in front of him, without the staff ensuring that the lift brakes were locked and that his call light was within his reach. Findings include: 1. Interview and observation on 5/19/26 at 10:48 a.m. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF880May 21, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and policy review, the provider failed to ensure the staff followed standard infection prevention and control practices related to one of two certified nursing assistant (CNA) (I) who wore two pairs of gloves during one of one sampled resident's (30) cares and did not remove potentially soiled gloves before touching the resident's wardrobe and clean clothes.Findings include:1. Observation on 5/19/26 at 11:20 a.m. revealed that CNAs I and J were assisting resident 30 with changing his clothes after he was incontinent (involuntary urine or bowel leakage). Both CNAs were wearing gloves. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF684Jan 30, 2025

  Based on observation, interview, record review, call light report review, resident council meeting, and policy review the provider failed to ensure that two of seven sampled residents (1 and 5) had their call lights answered in a timely manner. Findings include: 1. Observation and interview on 1/27/25 at 2:56 p.m. with resident 1 while in her room revealed: *She was in bed. *Her call light was attached to a blanket within her reach. *Staff used a total lift (a mechanical lift and sling used to lift a person's full body) to transfer her in and out of bed. *She had chronic pain. *Staff would come in her room and turn her call light off and tell her they needed to get another staff member to help with her transfer. *She stated she had waited over an hour for staff to answer her call light. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF609Sep 28, 2023

  Based on record review, interview, and policy review the provider failed to ensure one of one sampled resident (37) who had an injury of unknown origin was thoroughly investigated and reported to the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH). Findings include: 1. Review of resident 37's electronic medical record revealed her: *Diagnoses included: Parkinson's Disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, muscle weakness, mild cognitive impairment, and pain in her right knee. *Medications included: Haldol (used to treat mental/mood disorders) and risperidone (used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. *Care plan included that she: -Had communication problems related to her Parkinson's disease. -Used a wheelchair for mobility. […]