Temperature Regulation Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
Accela Rehab and Care Center at Springfield was found to be non-compliant with the requirement to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, specifically regarding maintaining appropriate temperature levels in resident rooms. During an abbreviated survey, it was observed that 19 out of 55 rooms had temperatures below the required range of 71 to 81°F. Residents were found using multiple blankets and wearing additional clothing to keep warm, indicating discomfort due to the low temperatures. Interviews with residents revealed that portable heaters had been previously provided but were subsequently removed, and attempts to report the issue via phone were unsuccessful. The facility's temperature logs confirmed that several rooms had temperatures significantly below the required range, with some as low as 61.3°F. The regional maintenance director attributed the temperature decrease to staff adjustments on the thermostat on the second floor. Despite multiple temperature checks throughout the day, the temperatures remained below the required levels, indicating a failure to maintain a comfortable environment for the residents. This deficiency highlights a lapse in the facility's adherence to its policies regarding temperature regulation and resident comfort.
Plan Of Correction
To correct immediate concern, NHA ensured heating was adjusted to meet required and comfortable temperatures. Rooms continued to be monitored until they reached those temperatures. Staff was directed to monitor residents and to provide additional layers until heat was at required range. DON, NHA, and clinical team monitored and reviewed documentation to ensure no adverse effects were caused during this time that temperatures dropped. As identified, this issue stemmed from staff adjusting heat on their own. To avoid this in the future, secure encasing was installed with keys available to leadership and supervisors only. Additionally, supervisors and senior staff educated on steps to take in the event temperature concerns arise. In addition, room temps will be randomly audited daily x4 weeks and every unit monthly x 3 months. All audits, findings will be reported to QAPI.