Failure to Maintain a Clean and Homelike Environment Due to Improper Handling of Soiled Linen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for six of fourteen residents on the second and third floors. Residents reported that staff rarely closed hampers containing soiled linen, resulting in strong odors of soiled linen and urine permeating the hallways and entering residents' rooms. Residents stated they often had to close the hampers themselves and move them away from their rooms. These concerns were documented in the facility's Concern Log and Resident Council Minutes, and residents indicated that the issue was discussed multiple times with the Director of Nursing, but staff compliance was only temporary before the problem recurred. Observations confirmed the presence of strong urine odors on the third-floor nursing unit and a soiled linen cart was found next to a resident's bed. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the facility's failure to maintain a clean and homelike environment for the affected residents on two of the three nursing units. The deficiency was substantiated by resident interviews, facility records, and direct observation.