Failure to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Room Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable and safe temperature levels within the required range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 out of 26 residents reviewed. Multiple observations revealed that residents' rooms were being cooled with several fans, some of which were purchased by the residents or their families, while others were provided by the facility. Despite these efforts, ambient temperatures in affected rooms ranged from 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with several residents reporting discomfort, sweating, and the need to leave their rooms during the warmer parts of the day. Residents frequently relocated to common or dining areas where the air conditioning was functioning, as their own rooms became too hot to occupy comfortably. Interviews with residents confirmed that the air conditioning in certain sections had not been working for several weeks, and the facility was aware of the issue. The Maintenance Director stated that the HVAC unit servicing the affected rooms had been partially repaired but was still not cooling adequately, pending further repairs. The Administrator acknowledged the ongoing HVAC issues and indicated that staff were providing ice and water to residents in the affected areas. The facility's policy required living spaces to be comfortable and temperature-controlled, but this standard was not met for the residents in the impacted rooms.