Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment Due to Persistent Odors and Pest Infestation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and homelike environment on one of its nursing units, as evidenced by multiple observations and resident and staff interviews. In one resident's bathroom, a persistent, strong musty urine odor was noted, with the resident's representative confirming that the smell returns shortly after cleaning and negatively impacts the resident's living experience. Follow-up observation confirmed the odor remained present. Additionally, live and dead insects, including large black ants, spiders, flying insects, centipedes, and worms, were observed throughout the unit's common areas, hallways, and resident rooms. In one resident's room, several large black ants were seen crawling on the bedside table and personal items, and the resident reported that the ants had been present for several weeks, causing frustration and distress. An LPN confirmed the ongoing ant issue and removed contaminated items from the resident's bedside table. Further observations revealed several large spiders with extensive webs, dead ants, a flying insect, and a dead worm near the west exit area. Another resident reported frequently seeing and killing ants in her room, describing them as large black ants. A dead centipede was also found in the unit dining room. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the presence of live and dead pests during a subsequent tour and acknowledged the facility's responsibility to maintain a clean and homelike environment for residents.