Failure to Provide Homelike Environment in Memory Care Unit
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents in the memory care unit. Observations revealed that resident rooms had grey, barren walls with no personal or homelike decorations, despite the presence of basic furnishings such as beds, dressers, televisions, blinds, over-bed lights, privacy curtains, and occasional recliners. While some paintings were present in common areas like the hallway, dining room, and dayroom, all five resident rooms lacked any personal or decorative items. Interviews with staff indicated that the absence of decorations was due to residents exhibiting behaviors such as tearing items off the walls, leading to a facility rule prohibiting decor in resident rooms. Staff also noted that decor was only placed in supervised common areas where residents could be monitored. Family members reported providing personal items, such as family pictures, for residents, but these were not observed in the rooms. Facility administration acknowledged ongoing challenges in maintaining a homelike environment, citing repeated removal of decorations by residents and the difficulty in keeping items in place. The facility's policy affirms the right of residents to a homelike environment and the use of personal belongings to the extent possible, but this was not reflected in the current state of the memory care unit rooms.