Failure to Provide Adequate Linen Supplies for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate linen supplies, specifically towels and washcloths, for 97 out of 103 residents reviewed. Multiple grievances from the resident council documented ongoing complaints about delays in laundry service and the lack of necessary linens for morning care. On several occasions, both linen rooms and the laundry room were observed to have insufficient or no towels and washcloths available. Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs) confirmed that shortages occurred regularly, particularly during the second shift, and reported having to use wet paper towels or toilet paper to clean residents due to the lack of proper linens. Staff interviews further corroborated the persistent shortage, with one CNA stating that towels and washcloths were unavailable for two out of seven day shifts each week, and another indicating daily shortages on the second shift. The housekeeping supervisor acknowledged awareness of the issue and noted that additional linens were stored in the basement, but staff were unaware of their location. The administrator confirmed that the use of paper towels or toilet paper for resident care was unacceptable and that towels and washcloths should always be available.