Facility Fails to Maintain Safe Water Temperatures and Change Bed Linens
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment as required by regulations. Specifically, the water temperatures in one of the facility's wings were found to be above the maximum allowable temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures ranging from 115.0 to 121.5 degrees Fahrenheit in 27 resident rooms and the shower room. This issue was identified during an initial tour and confirmed by the Maintenance Director, who admitted that the mixing valve had been problematic for a couple of months. Despite checking temperatures the previous week, the Maintenance Director did not record these checks, and the hot water was subsequently turned off to address the issue temporarily. The Administrator was unaware of the problem until notified by the Maintenance Director and stated that hot water would be sourced from another wing until the part to fix the issue arrived. Additionally, the facility failed to change bed linens for a resident after showers, as required by their policy. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported that their bed linens were not changed after receiving showers on two consecutive days. Interviews with the Certified Nursing Assistant and the Director of Nursing confirmed that bed linens should be changed on shower days, and failure to do so would result in in-service education and potential employee write-ups. The facility's electronic medical records corroborated the resident's claim, showing that the resident had received showers but did not have their bed linens changed. These deficiencies highlight lapses in the facility's adherence to its policies and procedures, particularly concerning water temperature regulation and bed linen changes. The failure to maintain appropriate water temperatures poses a risk of burns to residents, while not changing bed linens compromises the cleanliness and comfort of the residents' living environment. Both issues were acknowledged by the facility staff during interviews, indicating a need for improved oversight and adherence to established protocols.
Penalty
Resources
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