Use of Damaged Linens Fails to Meet Homelike Environment Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment on both the first and second floor nursing units. Observations revealed that linen carts contained torn towels, bed blankets, and ripped washcloths, which were being provided to residents for their care. Staff interviews confirmed that these damaged linens were used in place of proper washcloths and wipes, as the facility did not supply adequate alternatives. The facility's own policy indicated that clean bed and bath linens in good condition should be provided, but this standard was not met. Further interviews with LPNs, nurse aides, and the Maintenance Director corroborated that the use of ripped and torn linens was a common practice, and that although new washcloths were available, they remained unused and still packaged. The Nursing Home Administrator also confirmed that the damaged linens were what was being provided to residents. These actions resulted in the failure to maintain a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment as required by federal and state regulations.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident rooms inspected by NHA/designee and torn blankets, washcloths, and towels removed and replaced if necessary. 2. Torn linens were removed from laundry; facility ordered new linen for resident care. Audit performed to ensure adequate supply of linens available for resident care. 3. NHA/designee educated housekeeping and nursing staff on home-like environment. Housekeeping educated on sufficient and appropriate supplies availability for resident care. 4. Housekeeping will complete audit of linens and remove torn linens weekly for 4 weeks and monthly for 2 months. Director of Nursing/designee will complete audits of resident care supplies in residents' rooms to ensure linens are in good repair weekly for 4 weeks and monthly for 2 months. 5. Findings of audits will be reviewed through QAPI.