Failure to Maintain Clean and Sanitary Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for all residents on the 3rd floor, as evidenced by multiple observations of unsanitary conditions. Surveyors noted dirty, stained carpeting throughout the resident hallway, a persistent urine odor in the hallway, and debris including dead insects in most of the ceiling light fixtures. Additionally, two fans in the resident dining area were observed to be covered in dirt, dust, and debris, and the floor transition area of the back elevator was found to be littered with food particles and debris, which interfered with the elevator's operation until the surveyor manually cleared some of the obstruction. Further observations on subsequent days confirmed that these conditions persisted, with the same urine odor, dirty carpets, debris in light fixtures, and unclean fans remaining unaddressed. The hallway carpet was also found to have scraps from breakfast, paper lids, and condiment package pieces. The elevator continued to have food particles and a wrapper in the door slides, and the fans in the dining area remained caked with dust and debris, especially concerning given their proximity to resident food service areas. Interviews with the Environmental Services Director and Maintenance Supervisor revealed a lack of established cleaning schedules or documentation for the cleaning of carpets, light fixtures, and fans. Housekeeping staff were not responsible for full carpet cleaning, only spot cleaning, and there was no routine schedule for cleaning light fixtures or fans. The facility contracted out carpet cleaning services, but could not provide any invoices, contracts, or records to verify when cleaning had last occurred. Maintenance and environmental services staff indicated that cleaning was performed only when dirt was noticed or reported, rather than on a scheduled basis, and no documentation or logs were maintained to track these activities.