Failure to Maintain Cleanliness and Plumbing in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for its residents as evidenced by two separate incidents involving environmental deficiencies. In the first incident, a resident with multiple diagnoses including epilepsy, anxiety, dementia, diabetes, psychotic disorder, and heart failure was found to have a personalized air conditioner (PTAC) in their room that was visibly dirty, with a thick layer of dust and large pieces of debris on the vent. When the resident turned on the PTAC, a foul, trash-like smell was emitted. Multiple observations confirmed that the PTAC unit had not been cleaned, and the Maintenance Director acknowledged responsibility for its upkeep. Facility policy required cleaning schedules to be developed and implemented to maintain all areas, but this was not followed in this case. In the second incident, another resident with pulmonary disease, heart disease, and visual loss reported a leak in their bathroom. Observation revealed that water beads would seep through the cracks between the floorboards when pressure was applied, indicating a plumbing issue. The Maintenance Director confirmed the presence of water beads coming up from the bathroom flooring. Again, facility policy required maintenance of all areas, but the plumbing issue was not addressed, resulting in an unclean and potentially unsafe environment for the resident.