Resident Denied Access to Personal Clothing Due to Laundry Service Failure
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with diagnoses of Parkinson's Disease, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia was observed on multiple occasions sitting in a common area wearing a hospital gown, which was untied in the back. The resident reported that their personal clothing had not been returned from the off-site laundry service, resulting in them having no clothing to wear. The resident stated that this issue with missing laundry occurred frequently. Facility staff interviews confirmed that laundry was sent to an outside service, with each resident's items placed in a labeled mesh bag. Staff acknowledged that articles of clothing were sometimes missed and later relocated, and that the facility would replace items if a grievance was filed. The facility's policy allows residents to keep and use their personal belongings as long as it does not interfere with others' rights or safety. However, the failure to ensure the timely return of the resident's clothing resulted in the resident being unable to use their personal possessions, which did not honor their right to dignity and respect.