Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a homelike environment as evidenced by unclean and worn conditions in resident areas. In one instance, a resident with myopathy and paraplegia, who was cognitively intact, reported that the shower rooms were dirty and unsanitary, specifically noting the presence of mold and dirt in the grout. Direct observation confirmed a dark brown substance on the floor of a shower room, which was acknowledged by a licensed nurse, who stated that staff should have notified housekeeping. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that shower rooms should always be clean to prevent infection and support residents' psychosocial wellbeing. Additionally, four rooms in the memory care unit were found to have curtains by the sliding doors that were worn and had visible brown discolorations. The Director of Staff Development described the curtains as dirty, old, and stained, and the Director of Nursing stated that curtains should be clean and intact to maintain a homelike environment. Review of facility policy indicated that stained or worn linens should be removed upon discovery and that areas needing cleaning should be reported to housekeeping, but these practices were not followed.