Failure to Maintain Cleanliness, Adequate Lighting, and Safe Water Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified deficiencies related to the facility's failure to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents, specifically regarding water temperature for bathing and the cleanliness and maintenance of resident rooms. One resident, who was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for bathing, reported that the water in the west shower room was cold and described her bathing experience as miserable. Observations confirmed that the carpeting in her room was heavily soiled with embedded dirt and stains, and there was visible dust and missing floor molding. Housekeeping staff stated that the facility did not provide a carpet scrubber and that requests for deep cleaning equipment were not addressed by management. Maintenance records showed that water temperatures in the west shower room were below recommended levels, and staff confirmed that residents had complained about cold showers. Another resident, also cognitively intact, was observed in a room with carpeting embedded with black dirt and grime, multiple large spills, and a bathroom in unsanitary condition, including a non-functioning light, dirty sink and faucets, and a toilet and bathtub with visible grime and waste. The resident stated that staff did not offer to clean his room, and interviews with housekeeping and administrative staff revealed that while the resident sometimes refused housekeeping, he would often allow cleaning if approached by an administrator. The maintenance supervisor was unaware of the bathroom light issue, and the new administrator had not previously entered the resident's room. Facility policy reviews indicated requirements for routine cleaning, adequate lighting, and maintaining a homelike environment, but these standards were not met in the cases observed. The deficiencies affected two residents directly and had the potential to impact additional residents who used the same shower facilities. The findings were substantiated through observations, interviews, and record reviews, confirming non-compliance with resident rights to a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.