Unsanitary Shared Bathroom with Persistent Odor and Black Corrosion
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment in a shared resident bathroom, as evidenced by repeated observations of a strong urine odor and a thick black substance around the base of the toilet. Multiple staff members, including nursing, housekeeping, and maintenance, confirmed the ongoing presence of these unsanitary conditions. Documentation from Grand Rounds over several days indicated that the bathroom was not free from urine odors and was not cleaned adequately, with these issues being consistently reported but not resolved. Interviews revealed that the bathroom was shared by four male residents and that both housekeeping and maintenance staff were aware of the persistent odor and cleanliness issues. Despite daily rounds and reporting during stand-up meetings, the black substance and odor remained unaddressed. Staff acknowledged the problem, with maintenance and housekeeping directors confirming the conditions and attributing the odor to missed toileting and the need for tile replacement. The ongoing nature of the issue was further corroborated by the staff responsible for daily rounds, who reported the problem repeatedly without effective resolution.