Failure to Maintain Comfortable Noise Levels for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a comfortable noise level for four residents, resulting in decreased comfort and disrupted sleep. Observations and interviews revealed that staff frequently left room doors open at night, and certified nursing assistants often yelled to each other across hallways during care, contributing to excessive noise. Residents with insomnia and partially intact memory reported difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep due to the persistent noise, which included loud talking, laughing, and screeching by staff during both day and night shifts. One resident resorted to covering their head with a blanket to muffle the noise, while another used privacy curtains to reduce the sound from the hallway. Residents consistently described the environment as loud and disruptive, with noise issues persisting despite occasional temporary improvements after complaints. The facility's own policy emphasized the importance of maintaining comfortable noise levels to support a homelike environment, but staff actions and inactions, such as failing to close doors and engaging in loud conversations, directly contributed to the deficiency. The DON acknowledged that residents needed a calm environment for rest and healing, yet the facility did not prevent ongoing noise disturbances.
Plan Of Correction
MOUNTAIN MANOR SENIOR RESIDENCE makes every effort to operate in substantial compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations. Nothing in this Plan of Correction is an admission otherwise. MOUNTAIN MANOR SENIOR RESIDENCE is submitting this Plan of Correction in compliance with its regulatory obligations and does not waive any objections it may have as to the merit or form of any allegations contained herein. Please note that the facility may contest the merits or form of any of the alleged deficient findings and may take reasonable steps to appeal them. This Plan of Correction constitutes MOUNTAIN MANOR SENIOR RESIDENCE's written credible allegation of compliance for the deficiencies noted. F 584 F 584 F 584