Failure to Maintain Clean and Sanitary Environment Due to Inadequate Housekeeping
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment on one of two units observed for cleanliness. Multiple observations revealed that a resident's bathroom was not stocked with toilet paper or paper towels, the bathroom sink was loose, and the carpet was stained and emitted a foul odor due to frequent spills of bodily fluids. The resident reported that his room was not regularly cleaned, with dust accumulation on surfaces and debris, including food and paper, remaining on the floor for extended periods. The resident also indicated that staff did not prioritize his room's cleanliness, and debris he swept into the hallway remained unaddressed. Further observations on the same and following day showed that several resident rooms and bathrooms had soiled floors with unidentified dried substances, heavily stained carpets, and various debris such as used tissues, paper scraps, and food items. Common areas, including the front entry, hallways, and ice cream shoppe, were noted to have visible dust and dirt buildup, particularly on baseboards. Housekeeping staff were observed to be insufficiently present, with only one housekeeper seen working in certain areas and no staff observed cleaning other assigned areas during the survey period. Interviews with housekeeping staff and the supervisor revealed that the department was understaffed, with some housekeepers absent and no coverage for their assignments. Cleaning routines were inconsistently followed, with some areas only cleaned as needed and dusting in common areas performed weekly rather than daily. The facility's housekeeping policy required daily cleaning of high-touch areas and regular cleaning of carpets and bathrooms, but these standards were not met during the survey period, resulting in unsanitary conditions in resident rooms and common areas.