Multiple Environmental Safety and Maintenance Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for all 118 residents, as evidenced by multiple deficiencies observed and confirmed through staff interviews. The oxygen storage room door was found to be damaged and warped, allowing it to be easily pulled open, contrary to facility policy and staff expectations that it remain closed and locked due to the presence of oxygen cylinders. During a fire drill, a smoke door on one hall did not close when the fire alarm was activated because the magnetic device holding it open failed to release, despite the Maintenance Director's belief that the issue had been previously fixed. Additionally, a resident's bathroom door frame was observed to have rust along the edges, with flakes falling off when touched, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged being unaware of the issue and recognized the potential for harm. Further deficiencies included the lack of a policy for ceiling tile maintenance, with several ceiling tiles throughout the facility observed to have holes, cracks, or unsealed spaces, particularly around sprinkler heads and ceiling fans. The Maintenance Director stated he only replaced ceiling tiles upon receiving work orders and did not expect staff to submit work orders for certain areas. Electrical safety was also compromised, as a broken and detached electrical outlet in the conference room was in use with a water cooler plugged in, and another outlet in a common area had a cracked and broken faceplate. The Maintenance Director reported that outlet inspections were only conducted in resident rooms and was unaware of the need to inspect outlets in other areas, relying on staff to submit work orders for repairs.