Unsanitary Conditions in Facility Garage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment in one of its buildings, specifically Garage 1, as observed on January 13, 2025. Approximately 50 filled clear plastic garbage bags were stored on the ground, containing various refuse such as blue latex gloves, used resident briefs, bed protective barriers, and human and food waste. Additionally, cardboard boxes and loose latex gloves were scattered on the garage floor. The bags were piled about 4 feet high and extended 20 feet across the garage floor, obstructing the egress to enter the building beyond 8 feet. The building emitted an unpleasant and foul odor, indicating a lack of sanitation. Interviews with staff revealed that the trash compactor had been filled since January 1, 2025, and the excess garbage was stored in the garage until an additional pick-up could be scheduled. The Director of Maintenance acknowledged the situation, explaining that the compactor would fill up again before the next scheduled pickup, necessitating an additional waste removal service. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the presence of the garbage bags and acknowledged the facility's responsibility to maintain a sanitary environment for residents, staff, and the public. The deficiency highlights the facility's failure to manage waste effectively, leading to unsanitary conditions in a building used by staff.
Plan Of Correction
This provider submits the following plan of correction in good faith and to comply with Federal Law. This plan is not an admission of wrongdoing, nor does it reflect agreement with the facts and conclusions stated in the statement of deficiencies. 1. While no resident/residents were directly affected, all garbage cited in the deficiency was removed via a 30-yard dumpster before the surveyor exited the facility. 2. Based on the rationale in number one, no other residents have the potential to be directly affected. 3. Should the need arise, in the future, to temporarily store garbage until a pick-up is possible, it will be stored in appropriate covered containers, in building 1, which is not a part of the licensed facility, to assure a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, staff and the public. 4. The Maintenance Director/designee will monitor building #1, twice daily x 4 weeks, then 1x daily thereafter. All Dietary, Housekeeping, and Maintenance staff will be inserviced on the process to properly store garbage temporarily in a safe, functional, and sanitary way until a pickup can be arranged. Results of audits will be presented monthly in QAPI.