Failure to Provide Adequate Linens for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide a comfortable and homelike environment for one resident by not ensuring an adequate supply of linens for resident care. The resident, who was cognitively intact and resided on the third floor, expressed concern about the insufficient availability of linens. Multiple staff members, including CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, confirmed that there was often a shortage of linens on the unit, with some stating this occurred daily. Observations of the linen cart revealed that the number of available linens was insufficient for the number of residents on the floor, and staff did not have access to additional linens after the laundry aide left for the day. The linen delivery schedule and actual cart contents showed a discrepancy between what was delivered and what was available for use, with several items in short supply. Staff interviews indicated that only laundry aides and the receptionist had keys to the laundry room, but the receptionist did not actually have access, and the laundry aide locked the room when not present. The facility's policy required clean bed and bath linens in good condition to maintain a homelike environment, but this standard was not met due to the recurring linen shortages.