Failure to Maintain Adequate Clean Linen Supplies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate clean linen supplies for four cognitively intact residents, resulting in a lack of towels and wash cloths necessary for daily hygiene and bathing. Multiple residents reported that there were not enough towels and wash cloths available, with some stating that their families had to bring in these items from outside the facility. Residents also reported delays in receiving showers, sometimes waiting up to two weeks, due to the shortage of clean linens. These observations were corroborated by staff, who confirmed the frequent absence of towels in the clean utility closet and attributed the shortage to possible improper disposal or hoarding of linens. Interviews with CNAs and the DON revealed ongoing issues with linen management, including suspicions that some towels were being thrown away or kept in residents' rooms. The facility's own policy requires that clean linens be stored to prevent contamination and that laundry personnel ensure adequate supplies are available on each unit. Despite this policy, the facility was unable to maintain sufficient clean linen supplies, directly impacting residents' ability to maintain personal hygiene and comfort.