Inspection Reports for Forest Ridge

The Adult Care Licensure Section and Ashe County Department of Social Services conducted an annual and follow-up survey on April 2 through April 3, 2024.

The facility failed to ensure a readily retrievable record that accurately reconciled the receipt and administration of a controlled substance for one of five sampled residents who received zolpidem for insomnia. There was no physician's order for the medication, no documentation of administration, and no medication cart audits were documented.

Biennial Construction Section Survey conducted to ensure the facility meets the 1996 Rules for Licensing of Adult Care Homes, applicable 2005 Regulations for Adult Care Homes of Seven or More Beds, and the 2002 Edition of the North Carolina State Building Code.

Deficiencies were cited related to the lack of current sprinkler system test report, fire extinguishers not ready for use in rooms 222 and 211, and the exhaust fan in the vending room not operating, indicating failure to maintain fire safety components and building equipment in safe and operating condition.

The Adult Care Licensure Section conducted a follow-up survey to verify correction of previous deficiencies related to medication cart security on the Special Care Unit.

The facility failed to ensure the medication cart on the Special Care Unit was properly secured, as observations showed a resident accessed the cart unattended and the locking mechanism was faulty. Interviews revealed the lock had been malfunctioning for some time, and new medication carts had been ordered.

The Adult Care Licensure Section conducted an annual survey and complaint investigation from 08/02/22 to 08/04/22.

The facility failed to ensure immediate response and intervention for a resident who had an unwitnessed fall, resulting in delayed emergency care and serious neglect. Additionally, the facility failed to ensure timely follow-up and administration of medication for another resident, leading to missed doses of a mood stabilizing medication. These failures constitute violations related to personal care, supervision, health care, medication administration, and residents' rights.

The visit included a complaint investigation triggered by concerns about the facility's response to Resident #1's fall and the handling of Resident #3's medication.

The Adult Care Licensure Section conducted a complaint investigation and a COVID-19 focused Infection Control Survey following a reported COVID-19 outbreak at the facility starting 09/23/20.

The facility failed to implement and maintain CDC, NC DHHS, and local health department guidance regarding cohorting of staff and residents after a COVID-19 outbreak. Staff were not assigned exclusively to COVID-19 positive or negative residents, and residents were not cohorted properly, increasing risk of transmission. The facility lacked staffing capability to cohort and did not receive clear cohorting instructions from the local health department.

The visit was complaint-related triggered by a COVID-19 outbreak reported on 09/23/20. The investigation found the facility did not cohort staff and residents as recommended, contributing to spread of COVID-19. The local health department communicated with the facility but did not provide written guidance on cohorting staff. The facility cited staffing shortages as a barrier to cohorting.

Biennial Construction Section Survey to ensure compliance with the 1996 Rules for the Licensing of Adult Care Homes, applicable portions of the 2005 Regulations for Adult Care Home of Seven or More Beds, and the 2002 Edition of the North Carolina State Building Code.

The facility was found to have deficiencies related to maintaining a hazard-free environment, specifically a trip hazard caused by an unattached carpet seam in the 100 Hall outside Room 115. A Plan of Correction is required.

The Adult Care Licensure Section and the Ashe County Department of Social Services conducted an annual survey on January 18-19, 2017 to assess compliance with regulations.

The facility failed to assure that medications, specifically Novolog and Levemir insulin, were administered as ordered by a licensed prescribing practitioner for one resident (#5). A medication aide administered the long-acting Levemir insulin instead of the quick-acting Novolog insulin during a sliding scale dose, which was detrimental to the resident's health and constituted a Type B Violation.

Biennial Construction Survey conducted to assess compliance with the 1996 Rules for Licensing of Adult Care Homes, 2005 Regulations for Adult Care Homes of Seven or More Beds, and the 2002 North Carolina State Building Code.

The facility was found to have multiple deficiencies including an improperly installed ice machine drain line, lack of detailed fire safety rehearsal records, corridor doors that do not close and latch properly, and the presence of a prohibited portable electric heater in the business office.