Failure to Repair Broken Light Cover in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable homelike environment for a resident by not repairing a broken light cover in the resident's room. The broken light cover was observed to be jagged, and both the resident and multiple staff members, including the Maintenance Director, LVN, DON, and Administrator, were aware of the issue. The Maintenance Director acknowledged having a replacement part but had not yet completed the repair, and the work order for the repair had been open for several weeks. The resident, who had intact cognition and was dependent on staff for several activities of daily living, reported that staff could see the broken cover but could not recall when it broke. The resident's medical history included hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebrovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy, and anxiety disorder. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the broken light cover and its potential to cause injury, as the resident could reach and touch the jagged edge. The facility's policy on resident rights referenced a dignified existence but did not specifically address maintaining a homelike environment. The deficiency was identified through observation, interviews, and review of facility records and policies.