Shared Resident Rooms Below Minimum Square Footage Requirement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that shared resident rooms provided the required minimum of 80 square feet per resident, as mandated for multiple occupancy rooms. Specifically, 23 rooms were identified as having only 232.72 square feet total, resulting in 77.57 square feet per resident when three residents occupied the space. Documentation and direct observation confirmed that these rooms either currently housed three residents or were set up to accommodate three, affecting all 69 residents who currently or potentially could occupy these rooms. The Aspen Central Office database also indicated that the facility had shared rooms below the required square footage, and no construction or room size changes had occurred since the previous survey. During interviews, one resident expressed confusion and dissatisfaction about sharing a room with two others, stating the space felt suitable for only one person. Another resident reported having enough space for her bed but noted insufficient closet and storage space, with all three closet cubbies observed to be overflowing. The administrator acknowledged that all rooms were the same size and that three residents could be assigned per room, and stated there had been no complaints from current residents about the room arrangements. Facility policy indicated that residents are informed if a room does not meet the 80 square foot minimum requirement.