Failure to Maintain Safe, Clean, and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as required by its own policy and regulatory standards. Multiple observations by surveyors revealed numerous areas in both resident rooms and common areas that were in disrepair or unclean. Specific deficiencies included unpainted and plastered walls, chipped paint, missing or broken window blinds, damaged windowsills, chipped furniture, broken and stained ceiling tiles, detaching trim, holes in walls, and missing floor tiles. These issues were present in the rooms of several residents and throughout both units of the facility. Interviews with residents confirmed that some of these environmental deficiencies had been present for extended periods, with one resident stating that a hole in the wall had existed since their admission approximately three months prior. The Maintenance Director (MTD) acknowledged the need for repairs during walkthroughs with the surveyor and indicated that many of the issues had not been previously reported to him. The MTD stated that staff were expected to enter repair needs into the facility's work order system (TELS), but he was unaware of most of the deficiencies until they were pointed out by the surveyor. The facility's policy on maintaining a safe and homelike environment requires prompt reporting and repair of furniture and environmental issues. However, the lack of timely communication and follow-up resulted in prolonged periods where residents lived in rooms and used common areas that did not meet the standards for safety, cleanliness, and comfort. The MTD admitted that the current state of the environment would not be considered homelike.