Failure to Maintain Comfortable Temperatures in Common Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable temperatures in the dining room and visiting room, as evidenced by multiple resident and staff reports, as well as direct temperature measurements. Several residents, including those with chronic conditions such as heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and dementia, reported that while their individual rooms were at a comfortable temperature, the dining room and common areas remained cold. Residents described discomfort during meals and activities, with some observed wearing extra clothing and blankets to stay warm. Staff members, including CNAs and the Activity Assistant, confirmed that residents frequently complained about the cold temperatures in these areas and that they often provided blankets to help residents stay warm. The Maintenance Director stated that the dining room thermostat is located in the kitchen and is set to 70°F, but temperature readings taken by both facility staff and the surveyor in the dining and visiting rooms ranged from 67.3°F to 68°F. The Administrator confirmed that all 57 residents use the common areas and that the facility does not have a specific policy for maintaining internal temperatures outside of the emergency disaster plan. The lack of a clear policy and the observed low temperatures in communal areas contributed to the deficiency in providing a comfortable environment for residents.