Failure to Maintain Clean and Safe Shower Room Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable homelike environment in one of its shower rooms, specifically the B hall shower room. Observations revealed thick black grime on the walls, a pink stain on the floor, and missing tiles on the shower floor. Staff interviews indicated that the shower had not been cleaned recently, and the missing tiles had been present for approximately 40-45 days. Housekeeping staff were unclear about their responsibilities for cleaning the shower, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged awareness of the missing tiles for several months, but no work order had been submitted for repairs. The Administrator was only made aware of the condition on the morning of the survey. Record reviews confirmed that no maintenance work orders had been logged for the shower room in question for several months. Facility policy requires daily cleaning of showers by housekeeping and weekly deep cleaning by the Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor, but these procedures were not consistently followed. Staff interviews highlighted the importance of cleanliness for infection control and resident safety, but also revealed lapses in communication and follow-through regarding cleaning and maintenance responsibilities.