Q:
A resident tells you a personal item is missing. What steps should be taken?
A:
Start by staying calm and acknowledging their concern. Gather the key details — what’s missing, where was the item last seen, and when did they last have it? Document the report right away according to facility policy.
Notify the Charge Nurse or Administrator and follow the facility’s incident and grievance reporting processes. Make sure any required state reporting is completed.
Search promptly and thoroughly for the missing item. With the resident’s permission, check their room, common areas they’ve been in, laundry, and storage areas. Notify the resident’s representative.
If the item is found, return it promptly to the resident, document where it was located, and update the Charge Nurse and Administrator.
If it isn’t found, complete an incident report, notify administration, and keep the resident and/or their representative informed. Follow any additional policy steps related to reimbursement or investigation.
To help prevent future loss, encourage labeling of personal items, maintain accurate inventories at admission and ongoing, and remind staff to handle items carefully during care and housekeeping services. For valuables or money, encourage the use of lock boxes, lockable drawers, and the Resident Fund Management System.
Find helpful policy and procedure manual templates in the product library by visiting the Solution Center.
Written By:
Melisa Brandenburg, RN
Clinical Consultant
Proactive LTC Consulting
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