Failure to Maintain Homelike Environment Due to Unfinished Wall Repairs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents, as evidenced by observations on one of three nursing units. During the initial tour, one resident was found resting in bed with a wall behind them that had a large, unpainted, and unfinished spackled patch, which the resident reported had been present for at least a couple of months and expressed dislike for its appearance. In another room, a resident was observed sitting in a wheelchair with a wall behind their bed that had dried spackle and was severely damaged with multiple long holes, which the resident stated had been in that condition for about three weeks. Interviews with staff, including an LPN, the Director of Maintenance, and the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, confirmed the use of a computerized maintenance work order system that notifies maintenance staff of needed repairs and that the facility conducts twice-weekly audits of resident rooms. Despite these systems, the wall repairs in the residents' rooms remained incomplete for extended periods, contrary to the facility's policy to maintain a homelike environment and provide timely housekeeping and maintenance services.