Failure to Maintain Adequate Hot Water Temperatures in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain appropriate and comfortable hot water temperatures in resident rooms across all three resident halls, affecting all 57 residents. Multiple observations revealed that the hot water in resident bathrooms and sinks only reached lukewarm temperatures, even after running for several minutes. Residents consistently reported that the water never became hot, and this issue was observed in both private and common areas, including visitor bathrooms. Staff interviews confirmed that the problem had persisted for several months, with residents and staff repeatedly notifying nursing, maintenance, and administration without resolution. Several residents, including those with vascular dementia, hemiplegia, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and Parkinson's disease, were directly affected. These residents were cognitively intact or moderately impaired, as indicated by their BIMS scores, and reported ongoing difficulties with daily hygiene due to the lack of hot water. Resident Council members also stated they had complained multiple times to various departments, but no corrective actions had been taken. Staff, including CNAs and an LPN, corroborated that the issue was facility-wide and had been reported to upper management repeatedly. Maintenance records and interviews indicated that hot water temperatures were checked weekly, but the highest recorded temperature was only around 110°F after ten minutes, with most readings much lower. The maintenance staff confirmed that complaints had been ongoing for months and that no improvements had been made since the issue was identified. The administrator acknowledged awareness of the problem and stated that external recommendations for system upgrades had been received months prior, but no action had been taken to address the deficiency.