Failure to Maintain Cleanable Equipment and Surfaces
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain essential equipment in a manner that allowed for proper disinfection on one of five sampled halls. Observations revealed that a resident was using a wheelchair with a torn left-hand armrest, where the vinyl covering had worn away, exposing the underlying foam padding. This exposed foam was not a cleanable surface. The resident confirmed that the armrest had been damaged for some time, and subsequent observations showed the damage persisted over several days. Additionally, in another room, approximately 25 shoelaces were found tied to the handrail next to the toilet. These shoelaces were stained with brown material and were not cleanable. The shoelaces remained in place over multiple days. Interviews with staff, including an LPN/Care Coordinator and the DON, confirmed that both the damaged wheelchair armrest and the stained shoelaces did not meet facility expectations for cleanable surfaces and should have been reported for repair or removal.