Life Care Center of Sandpoint

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Life Care Center of Sandpoint, in the surveyor’s own words.

• Actual harm, isolatedF689Sep 30, 2021

  Based on record review, observation, Incident and Accident (I&A) report review, policy review, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents received the level of supervision necessary to prevent falls, resident-to-resident abuse, and elopement. This was true for 4 of 11 residents (#1, #2, #3, and #5) reviewed for supervision and accidents. Resident #2 was harmed when he fell and fractured three ribs. Resident #3 was harmed when she experienced a fall resulting in a fractured tibia (one of the two long bones in the lower leg) The facility failed to ensure Resident #1 received the supervision necessary to prevent her from phyisically abusing other residents. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF801Jul 11, 2024

  Based on record review, facility job description review, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure there was a qualified dietary manager. This failed practice created the potential to negatively affect all residents in the facility who ate food which was prepared in the facility's kitchen. Findings include: The facility's Food Service Director - Certified Dietary Manager Job Description, dated 5/1716, stated the Education, Experience, and Licensure/Certifications as: must have completed a CDM or State-approved course in food services; must have a current certification as a Certified Dietary Manager in applicable state; must maintain an active certification in good standing throughout employment; must have one year experience in post-acute food service; and must… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF881Sep 30, 2021

  Based on policy review, staff interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure an infection prevention and control program was established that included antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic use protocols, and monitoring of antibiotic use. This deficient practice had the potential to affect all 55 residents in the facility if they developed an infection and received an antibiotic that was ineffective or if the resident developed resistance to antibiotics resulting in ineffective or difficult treatment for [MEDICAL RECORD OR PHYSICIAN ORDER] The facility's infection antibiotic stewardship policy, dated 9/20/21, stated one of the core elements of antibiotic stewardship was the tracking process for antibiotic stewardship which tracked how and why antibiotics are… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Jul 25, 2025

  Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure the kitchen was cleaned, the resident freezer was cleaned, and staff food was not stored with resident food. These deficiencies had the potential to affect the 71 residents who consumed food prepared by the facility. This placed residents at risk for potential contamination of food and adverse health outcomes, including food-borne illnesses. Findings include:1.FDA Food Code Section 3-303.12 Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice, documented packaged food may not be stored in direct contact with ice or water if the food is subject to the entry of water because of the nature of its packaging, wrapping, or container or its positioning in the ice or water.FDA Food Code Section 4-602.11… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Jul 25, 2025

  Based on observation, policy review, record review, CDC guidance review, and interviews it was determined the facility failed to ensure infection control and prevention practices were maintained to provide a safe and sanitary environment, and to help prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and infection. Specifically the facility did not perform a facility wide testing for COVID 19 as advised by their local Health Department, personal protective equipment (PPE) was not don properly, hand hygiene was not performed during residents' cares, and medical equipment was not stored in a sanitary manner. Findings include:1.On 7/21/25 at 12:14 PM, the IP together with the DON present stated the facility had residents who tested positive for COVID-19. […]