Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Comfortable Resident Environment Due to Persistent Odor
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of cerebrovascular accident and severe cognitive impairment, who required assistance with all activities of daily living, was found to be living in an environment with a persistent sewage odor in the bathroom. The resident's representative reported that the smell was an ongoing issue, had been reported to nursing staff, and was sometimes so severe that it made it difficult to remain in the room. The issue was confirmed during observations and interviews with staff and maintenance personnel. The Director of Nursing acknowledged awareness of the odor, attributing it to infrequent use and flushing of the bathroom fixtures. The Corporate Maintenance staff confirmed the presence of the smell and explained it was due to the P-trap in the sink drying out from lack of use, allowing sewer gases to enter the room. The Administrator stated she had not received any complaints about the odor in the resident's room and had previously attributed hallway odors to another resident with a colostomy bag.