Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Odor-Free Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary and comfortable homelike environment for all residents by not ensuring the facility was free of odor, specifically a strong urine smell. Upon entrance, a strong urine odor was noted throughout the facility, and this was corroborated by multiple observations and interviews. Resident council minutes documented complaints about unpleasant hallway odors, with staff responses attributing the smell to residents who change themselves and leave soiled items in their rooms. Observations included a persistent strong odor in specific halls and resident rooms, with one room also having a sticky floor. Residents interviewed described poor cleanliness, infrequent mopping, and dissatisfaction with the facility's sanitation. Housekeeping staff confirmed the presence of a strong urine odor and noted that there is no housekeeping coverage after 3:00 p.m., which may contribute to lingering odors from items like linen barrels not being sent to laundry. An LPN also reported a strong urine odor in the morning and indicated that agency staff had left soiled diapers in room trash cans overnight. These findings collectively demonstrate a failure to provide a clean, odor-free, and comfortable environment as required by facility policy.