Facility Fails to Provide Hot Water Across All Units
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a homelike environment by not providing hot water for residents across all twelve units observed. Residents reported consistently cold water during showers and bathing, with some stating that they had not experienced hot water for several months. Staff interviews corroborated these complaints, indicating that the water temperature was often cold or inconsistent. The facility's maintenance director explained that the issue stemmed from problems with the boilers and water softeners, which led to a buildup of mineral crust on the rods inside the hot water tanks. This buildup impeded the rods' ability to heat the water effectively. Despite recent repairs to the boilers, the rods were found to be compromised and in need of replacement. Additionally, the facility's large size and outdated blueprints complicated efforts to resolve the issue. Observations confirmed that water temperatures in various bathrooms were significantly below acceptable levels, with temperatures recorded as low as 76.2 degrees. The maintenance director acknowledged that the water temperatures would not improve by letting the water run longer, as this would deplete the hot water supply further. The facility's failure to maintain comfortable water temperatures affected all twelve nursing units, impacting the residents' right to a safe and comfortable environment.
Plan Of Correction
1. Temperatures are logged to ensure consistency on identified units, and were confirmed to be below the Federal Regulator Maximum, as there is no State Regulatory Minimum. The facility continues to complete preventative maintenance on the entire campus system. 2. An initial Audit was completed by the Plant Operations Director for Water Temperatures on identified units and logged. 3. The Director of Plant Operations was re-in serviced by the Administrator on the regulation to ensure a clean and homelike environment and ensure continued Preventative Maintenance steps/requirements. 4. The Director of Plant Operations will audit Water temperatures by unit including shower temperatures weekly. Audit findings will be shared with the QAPI committee.