Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment Due to Unclean Wheelchairs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a clean and homelike environment for five residents, as evidenced by observations of their wheelchairs, which were found to have moderate to large accumulations of removable, dried-on debris, dust, dirt, and grime on various parts including the metal supports, wheels, and seat cushions. These conditions were directly observed by surveyors during their review, with each of the five residents' wheelchairs exhibiting visible, removable contaminants that had not been addressed. Interviews with staff, including LPNs, nurse aides, and housekeepers, confirmed that the wheelchairs should have been clean and that it was the responsibility of housekeeping to maintain their cleanliness. Staff indicated that a reduction in housekeeping personnel had made it difficult to keep up with cleaning tasks, and the nursing home administrator acknowledged that the wheelchairs should not have had dust, dirt, or debris present.