Insufficient Linen and Hygiene Supplies for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient clean linens, washcloths, towels, and protective bed pads to meet the care needs of residents. Multiple residents reported having to wait for laundry delivery or lacking necessary items such as washcloths and towels, especially during the night shift when the laundry was not accessible. Staff interviews confirmed that certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and nurses frequently ran out of essential supplies before the end of their shifts, including gloves, washcloths, towels, and bed pads. Some staff reported bringing their own wipes for residents due to the shortage, and noted that laundry carts were sometimes empty at the start of their shifts. Observations of linen carts during the night shift revealed a limited number of protective bed pads available, with some carts containing as few as four to seven pads for the entire shift. Staff described difficulties in providing toileting care and maintaining resident hygiene due to the lack of supplies, and noted that the laundry room was locked and inaccessible during certain hours. The deficiency was corroborated by both resident and staff accounts, as well as direct observation of supply shortages.