Failure to Maintain Clean, Homelike Environment Due to Linen Shortages and Housekeeping Delays
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. In several resident rooms, debris such as pieces of paper, used tissues, and cotton were found scattered on the floors, and beds were left unmade for extended periods. One resident, who was cognitively intact, reported that staff did not assist him in getting ready or making his bed, which prevented him from lying down after breakfast as he preferred. The resident expressed irritation at the lack of assistance and the unmade bed, while his roommate's bed was made by staff. Staff interviews revealed that the lack of clean bottom sheets contributed to the delay in making beds. Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) stated that laundry was behind and bottom sheets were not available until after midday, resulting in beds remaining unmade until the afternoon. The laundry assistant confirmed that he was not informed about the shortage of bottom sheets in a timely manner and that linen supplies had been running low in recent weeks. The administrator acknowledged a breakdown in communication among staff regarding linen availability and stated that linen should have been on the beds before lunch. Additional observations showed that some resident rooms remained dirty throughout the day, with floors littered with debris and personal items left out, such as shoes in walking areas. Residents reported that their rooms were frequently dirty and that their beds were often left unmade. When requested, the administration was unable to provide policies related to maintaining a homelike environment, routine housekeeping, or timely application of bed linen.