Inadequate Lighting in Main Dining Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment in the main dining room due to inadequate lighting. During observation, it was noted that three out of eight fluorescent lights were not working, resulting in a dim and dreary atmosphere. Two residents who were cognitively intact and dependent on staff for transfers reported that the dining room was consistently dim, with some lights never working properly. Staff interviews revealed that several staff members had not noticed the lighting issue or had not reported it, assuming maintenance would address it or that the lighting was normal for the building. The Maintenance Director was unaware of the problem, and the DON acknowledged the dimness but attributed it to the age of the facility. The Administrator confirmed awareness of some lights being out but stated that no issues had been reported to her prior to the survey. Record reviews indicated that the affected residents had significant medical conditions, including cervical spinal stenosis, muscle weakness, diabetes, heart failure, and unsteadiness on their feet, and were at risk for falls. The facility's policy required comfortable and adequate lighting in all areas to promote a safe and homelike environment, but this standard was not met in the main dining room, as evidenced by the observations and resident interviews.