Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment and Properly Clean Shared Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a clean, safe, and homelike environment for all residents, particularly those transferred with Hoyer lift equipment. Multiple observations revealed unclean conditions, including sticky substances on over-bed tables, dried black and brown substances on commodes, and trash cans containing soiled briefs and dirty wipes left in resident rooms. Additionally, resident care items such as wheelchairs were found with dried substances and odors, and supplies like briefs were stored on the floor. Staff interviews confirmed that cleaning protocols, such as removing trash after each brief change and cleaning wheelchairs twice weekly, were not consistently followed, and there was no documentation to verify that these tasks were completed. Further observations showed that shared equipment, specifically Hoyer lift crossbeam pads, were visibly dirty with whitish, brown, and black marks. Staff members, including CNAs and LPNs, were unsure about the cleaning schedules or procedures for these items. The Director of Nursing and other staff acknowledged that cleaning and storage practices were not in line with facility policy, which requires proper cleaning and disinfection of multiple-use resident care items between each use. These lapses in cleaning and maintenance created the potential for cross-contamination and did not meet the standards for a safe and homelike environment.