Failure to Maintain Safe Room Temperatures in Shower Rooms and Elevator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to maintain safe and comfortable room temperature levels in two of four resident shower rooms and in one facility elevator. During temperature checks conducted in the presence of the Maintenance Person, the second-floor East shower room and another second-floor shower room were both found to have temperatures of 84.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which exceeds the required range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The elevator car was also found to have a temperature of 84.6 degrees Fahrenheit. At the time of these observations, no residents were present in the affected shower rooms or elevator, but residents, visitors, and staff were observed using the elevator throughout the day. Interviews with the Maintenance Director and the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator revealed that there had been a recent power outage, but both stated that the air conditioning and generator systems functioned properly during and after the outage. The Maintenance Director was not aware of any work orders related to room temperatures, and the Administrator confirmed there was no known interruption in air conditioning. The deficiency was cited under NJAC 8:39 -31.6(p)4 for failing to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents.