Failure to Provide Adequate Linen Supplies for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate linen supplies to meet the needs and preferences of three out of five residents reviewed. Facility policy requires a safe, clean, and homelike environment, including reasonable accommodation of individual resident needs. During a facility tour, surveyors observed that clean linen racks on both floors were inadequately stocked, with some racks having no towels or washcloths, and others having only a few or torn items. Staff interviews confirmed that there were not enough towels and washcloths available, forcing nursing assistants to prioritize which residents would receive hygiene care. One nursing assistant reported having to choose who to wash due to the shortage, while another stated that only a limited number of towels and washcloths were available for a large number of residents. Resident interviews further substantiated the deficiency. One resident reported having to use paper towels for personal hygiene due to the lack of linens, while another used dirty towels from the previous day because no clean ones were available. A third resident expressed concern about the ongoing shortage and resorted to using disposable wipes. Observations in the laundry room revealed that only one dryer was operational, further limiting the facility's ability to provide sufficient clean linens. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the shortage and the facility's failure to accommodate the proper linen needs for the affected residents.