Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity Due to Laundry Delays
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that care and services were provided in a manner that enhanced resident dignity for two residents. Observations revealed that both residents were in bed wearing hospital gowns due to not having their personal clothes returned from the laundry service in a timely manner. Resident 3 reported not having any clothes to wear and stated that her laundry was sent out but not returned promptly. Observations of her closet confirmed the lack of clothing, with only one shirt present and no pants. Similarly, Resident 11 was observed in a hospital gown and reported frequently running out of clothes due to delays in the return of her laundered items. Her closet was also found to be empty. Interviews with the environmental services manager and operations manager confirmed that residents' personal laundry is sent out to a contracted company four times a week, but there is no specific timeframe for its return. They also acknowledged that there is no facility protocol to ensure residents have enough clothes, expecting residents to have 14 days' worth of clothing. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed these findings.
Plan Of Correction
The Facility submits this Plan of Correction under procedures established by the Department of Health in order to comply with the Department's directive to change conditions which the Department alleges is deficient under State and/or Federal Long Term Care Regulations. This Plan of Correction should not be construed as either a waiver of the facility's right to appeal or challenge the accuracy or severity of the alleged deficiencies or an admission of past or ongoing violation of State or Federal regulatory requirements. 1. Resident 3's care plan reflects her preference to occasionally wear hospital gowns depending on her preference each day. Resident 3 and resident 11 had their clean laundry returned to them. 2. All residents using facility laundry services will have closets checked for clothing that allows for seven outfits or per resident's preference. 3. Social Worker and CNAs will be educated to report concerns with availability of clean clothes for residents. 4. Social Worker or designee will complete random audits on 5 residents per week to ensure the resident has the availability of resident's clean clothes. Audits will be completed weekly x4 then monthly x2 with results reported to QAPI.