Soiled Linens Left on Floor Compromises Sanitary Environment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed lying in bed with a stack of soiled linens, including a sheet and a pair of disposable underwear with a strong urine odor, placed on the floor approximately ten inches from the foot of the bed. This condition persisted during two separate observations within a short time frame. The resident was found lying on clean sheets and denied any concerns when asked. Staff interviews revealed that the dirty linens should not have been placed or left on the floor, and that the resident would not have been able to remove the linens herself due to her condition. The resident in question was moderately cognitively impaired and required substantial assistance with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, and used a wheelchair. The facility's policy requires the environment to be safe, sanitary, functional, and comfortable. The failure to promptly remove soiled linens from the resident's room and prevent their placement on the floor resulted in a failure to maintain a sanitary and homelike environment for the resident.