Failure to Maintain Safe, Clean, and Homelike Environment for Residents
Penalty
Summary
Multiple residents were observed to be living in conditions that did not meet standards for a safe, clean, and homelike environment. One resident was found sitting in a wheelchair with 95% of the vinyl missing from the right armrest, tattered left armrest, and a frame and wheel spokes covered in a thick, gray substance. The resident was unsure why the wheelchair was in this condition or when it would be cleaned. The facility's Administrator confirmed the wheelchair was dirty and in disrepair, and did not know which staff member was responsible for cleaning wheelchairs. The DON stated that wheelchairs were supposed to be cleaned during the night shift, and the Maintenance Director was unaware of the damage, stating that staff should have reported it for repair. Another resident's motorized wheelchair footrests were covered with dirt and crumbs, and the resident reported it had not been cleaned in approximately six months. The Housekeeping Manager confirmed the wheelchair was dirty and that CNAs were responsible for cleaning wheelchairs. Additional deficiencies were observed in resident rooms. One resident's room contained a dresser with a missing drawer, exposing the contents, and several flies were present. Another resident's privacy curtain had eight circular dark brown stains, and the Housekeeping Supervisor confirmed it needed to be changed. A different resident's room had a chair with a broken armrest hanging down, exposing a screw, which the Maintenance Director confirmed could cause injury and should have been reported for repair. The Maintenance Director also confirmed the broken dresser drawer and stated that nurses and aides were responsible for reporting such concerns for repair. The Housekeeping Supervisor stated that housekeepers were expected to check privacy curtains for cleanliness and condition during daily cleaning. Facility policy review revealed a statement of resident rights to safe, decent, and clean conditions, and a policy requiring immediate removal of stained curtains. However, the facility did not have a specific policy in place for maintaining equipment. Staff interviews indicated that daily rounds were supposed to be conducted to report repair concerns, but these processes were not effectively implemented, resulting in multiple residents experiencing unclean, unsafe, or non-homelike living conditions.