Environmental Deficiencies Impacting Resident Comfort and Safety
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment for its residents, staff, and the public, as evidenced by multiple environmental deficiencies. Observations revealed that the courtyards used by residents were unkempt, with grass up to 20 inches high, weeds over 4 feet tall, and significant amounts of trash, including plastic wrappers, paper towels, and hundreds of cigarette butts. Maintenance staff acknowledged responsibility for these areas and noted that equipment failure and lack of contracted lawn service contributed to the neglect. Residents interviewed expressed dissatisfaction with the outdoor conditions, citing concerns about pests due to the tall grass. Inside the facility, two residents' rooms were found to have unrepaired damage, including missing trim, deep gouges in sheetrock, and exposed areas where paint was missing. One resident, who had dementia, blindness, and epilepsy, was observed to have a room with a 10-foot section of missing trim and a large area of damaged wall. Another resident, with a history of stroke and hypertension, reported that her room had deep gashes in the wall with exposed sheetrock and requested repairs. The Maintenance Director was unaware of these specific room conditions and confirmed that resident rooms should be free of such damage. Linen closets on two halls were inadequately stocked, with only a few sheets and towels available, many of which were discolored, stained, thin, or worn. Staff reported having to wait for linen or retrieve it from other halls, and residents complained about the poor quality and insufficient quantity of linens. Additionally, two exit doors had broken glass panes covered with cardboard and tape, a condition that had persisted for over five months. The Maintenance Director stated that he had reported the broken windows to the Administrator but had not received the necessary materials to make repairs.