Failure to Maintain Clean and Sanitary Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, sanitary, and home-like environment for two of three sampled residents by not ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of their living space. Observations and interviews revealed that the toilet seat in the residents' room had brownish to reddish dry substances, and the floor was cluttered with empty cups, cup covers, food wrappers, and food stains. Additionally, a dirty white towel with a brownish substance was found placed on top of a covered linen barrel instead of inside it, and an old food tray from dinner had not been picked up. Both the housekeeping staff and the assistant administrator acknowledged the room was dirty, with the assistant administrator specifically noting the presence of dry feces on the toilet seat and the potential for the environment to harbor bacteria and attract pests. Resident records indicated that one resident had intact cognitive skills while the other had severely impaired cognitive skills, both with medical histories including diabetes and a history of falls. The infection preventionist nurse confirmed that food should have been removed after meals, towels should be properly stored for infection control, and the floor and toilet should be kept clean. One resident expressed concern about the unclean bathroom and the possibility of becoming ill as a result. The facility's policy and procedures require staff to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment, which was not followed in this instance.