Failure to Provide Consistent Access to Clean Linens for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a consistent supply of clean linens for residents, resulting in two cognitively intact residents experiencing a lack of necessary linens for bathing. On the morning in question, one resident was unable to bathe before leaving for an outside appointment due to the absence of washcloths and towels, and instead had to use a wet incontinent wipe. Multiple nurse aides confirmed that the shortage of linens was a recurring issue, occurring as frequently as once to three times per week, and that on the day in question, there were no linens available from approximately 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The aides also reported checking with the laundry department, which was unable to provide additional linens during this period. The Housekeeping Director described the facility's laundry process, which involved leaving wet linens in the washing machines overnight due to the absence of staff after 7:00 PM, resulting in linens not being dried and available for use until after 7:00 AM the next day. Nurse aides were responsible for retrieving linens for their carts after 8:30 AM, but there was an expectation that leftover linens from the previous day would suffice until then. However, both staff and residents reported that linen shortages were common, and the Housekeeping Director acknowledged that hoarding of linens by staff and residents sometimes contributed to the problem. The facility administrator was unaware of the specifics of the linen distribution process and the timing issues that led to the deficiency.