Failure to Timely Repair Shower Room Water Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly repair a broken water mixing valve in the west shower room, resulting in residents being provided with water at an uncomfortably low temperature during showers and baths. Record review showed that one resident, who was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for bathing due to a history of CVA with hemiparesis, reported that the water felt cold and described the experience as miserable. Maintenance logs indicated that the water temperature in the west shower room was recorded at 87.6°F, which is below the recommended range, and staff interviews confirmed that residents had complained about cold showers. The issue was identified during routine water temperature checks, but there was a delay in providing an alternative showering location for affected residents. Further interviews with staff revealed that the water temperature issue persisted, with CNAs noting that the water remained cool even after attempts to let it run. The facility's policy requires a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents, but there was no evidence that residents were promptly offered another option for bathing once the problem was identified. This deficiency affected one resident directly and had the potential to impact 19 additional residents who used the west shower room, as documented in the facility census and care records.