Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Homelike Resident Restrooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary and orderly environment for residents by not providing disposable or cloth hand towels in resident restrooms and by not ensuring the cleanliness of certain resident bathrooms. Observations revealed that nine residents did not have access to disposable or cloth hand towels or washcloths in their restrooms. Multiple residents reported that they had been without paper towels for several days, leading some to dry their hands on their clothes or simply shake their hands dry. Additionally, two residents' bathrooms were found to be unclean, with one commode bowl described as black-tinged with debris and another with a raised seat riser and surrounding area covered in black and brown debris, which a resident believed to be mold. Interviews with residents confirmed the ongoing lack of hand towels, with several stating that the dispensers had not been refilled for days and that they sometimes had to request towels without success. One resident, who serves as the Resident Council President, noted the absence of towels and the presence of urine and debris on the bathroom floor. Housekeeping staff confirmed the lack of paper towels on their supply carts, and the main supply closet was found to be out of stock. The Housekeeping/Maintenance/Laundry Supervisor acknowledged the shortage, attributing it to a delayed shipment and the recent holiday weekend, and verified that some rooms had not been restocked. Facility documentation, including the Resident Rights policy, Housekeeper job description, and Facility Assessment, all require the maintenance of a clean, safe, and homelike environment, as well as the provision of body cleansing products and hand hygiene supplies. Despite these requirements, supply purchase records showed only one recent order for paper towels, and the administrator was unaware of the extent of the shortage until it was brought to their attention. The deficiency was further compounded by the inexperience of the staff member responsible for ordering supplies, who was new and managing multiple departments.