Failure to Maintain Comfortable Temperatures and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a comfortable and homelike environment on two of nine nursing units, specifically the 100 and 200 halls. On the 200 hall, two residents reported being very cold, with one resident stating that only maintenance could adjust the room temperature using pliers. Observations confirmed that cold air was blowing in the room, and one resident was covered with three blankets. Temperature readings taken by the Director of Maintenance showed that several rooms on the 200 hall were below the recommended range, with temperatures as low as 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Other rooms on the same unit also had temperatures below 71 degrees Fahrenheit, while the rest of the facility maintained temperatures within the acceptable range. The Director of Maintenance noted that the 200 hall had not yet been updated with new split units. Additionally, during the initial tour, window blinds in five out of twenty rooms on the 200 hall were found to be in disrepair, with broken, missing, or dangling slats. Similar issues were observed with window blinds on the 100 hall, as seen from outside the building. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged awareness of the problem and indicated that an additional 27 window blinds throughout the facility needed replacement. These deficiencies contributed to an environment that was not safe, clean, comfortable, or homelike for the residents.