Failure to Maintain Safe, Hazard-Free Floors Due to Ongoing Water Leaks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that resident floors were free from hazards, specifically water accumulating on the floor near door entryways and under air conditioning vents. Multiple observations documented water puddles in resident rooms, including one instance where a towel was placed over a puddle without a wet floor sign present. Staff interviews confirmed that leaking from ceiling air conditioning grills had been observed in several rooms over the past weeks, with maintenance staff indicating that the condensation pipes required regular cleaning to prevent clogs and leaks. Maintenance also reported that prior to their recent employment, there was no established routine for cleaning these pipes, and issues were only addressed as they were reported. Residents affected by these leaks included individuals with unsteady gait and those identified as being at risk for falls, as documented in their assessments and care plans. One resident described a situation where a bucket placed to catch leaking water was not emptied, resulting in water spilling onto the floor and creating a slippery surface. Staff acknowledged that water on the floor posed a fall risk, especially for residents who ambulate independently. Review of facility work orders revealed multiple reports of water leaks from air conditioning units in various rooms, with some instances requiring makeshift solutions such as garbage bins to catch the water.