Failure to Provide Sufficient Linens for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient linens to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for all 98 residents. On the day of the survey, only one out of three washing machines was operational, and two out of four dryers were working. Observations revealed that only about three dozen each of hand towels and washcloths were available in storage areas. Staff interviews confirmed ongoing shortages, with housekeeping and laundry aides reporting frequent linen shortages, especially on weekends, and difficulty keeping up with laundry demands due to understaffing. The Director of Nursing also acknowledged shortages of both linens and housekeeping staff, sometimes requiring staff to be pulled from other duties to complete laundry tasks. Resident interviews during a council meeting revealed that multiple residents had not received showers in the past week, with staff attributing this to a lack of linens and laundry staffing. Residents reported that grievances about this issue had been filed after every monthly council meeting, and that scheduled showers were not being provided as required. Facility policy requires specific linens for bathing, but the lack of available linens prevented adherence to this policy.