Failure to Maintain Sanitary Shower and Bathroom Areas Due to Mold
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain clean and sanitary shower rooms and bathrooms, resulting in the presence of mold and musty odors in multiple areas used by residents. Observations revealed black, slimy, and orange substances on shower walls, shower heads, and bathroom floors in both the 100-hall and 200-hall shower rooms, as well as in a medication room. Several staff members, including CNAs, a laundry aide, and a housekeeper, confirmed noticing mold in shower rooms, resident rooms, and bathrooms. Residents also reported seeing mold and smelling musty odors, particularly in the 100-hall shower room and adjacent areas. The facility's own maintenance director and DON acknowledged the presence of mold after accompanying surveyors to the affected areas. The DON also confirmed that a significant number of residents use the communal shower rooms, which were found to be contaminated. The facility lacked a housekeeping supervisor at the time, with the DON temporarily overseeing housekeeping duties. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate cleaning and notification when mold is found, the mold remained present and was not addressed prior to the survey. Facility policy and CDC guidance provided in the report highlight that mold and mildew are expected to be controlled through routine deep cleaning, and that exposure to mold can cause health effects, especially in individuals with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. The failure to maintain a clean, safe, and homelike environment as required resulted in unsanitary conditions for residents using the affected shower rooms and bathrooms.