Failure to Ensure Timely Delivery of Resident Mail on Weekends
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents with reasonable access to receive their mail, specifically on Saturdays. Multiple residents reported that while they received mail Monday through Friday, mail was not delivered to them on Saturdays because the staff responsible for mail delivery did not work weekends. One resident noted that he received mail at his nearby house on Saturdays and expected the same at the facility. Staff interviews confirmed that the mail was checked and delivered only on weekdays, and there was confusion among staff regarding who was responsible for mail delivery on weekends. Activity staff and administrative staff both stated they did not work on Saturdays, and mail accumulated over the weekend was delivered on Mondays. Facility policy affirms residents' rights to send and receive mail, but the policy did not address timely delivery of mail received on Saturdays. Observations and staff interviews indicated that no system was in place to ensure mail was delivered to residents on Saturdays, resulting in delayed access to their correspondence. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, resident interviews, and staff statements, all confirming the lack of weekend mail delivery.