Unsafe Environment Due to Unsecured Chemicals, Unclean Equipment, and Room Disrepair
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for residents, as evidenced by unsecured hazardous chemicals, unclean and damaged equipment, and unrepaired room damage. Surveyors observed that a housekeeping storage closet containing harmful chemicals was left unlocked and accessible, despite staff acknowledging it should always be locked. Additionally, a shower room accessible to a resident with dementia and moderate cognitive impairment was found unlocked, with a metal box containing disinfectant chemicals left unsecured. Staff confirmed that these chemicals should have been locked away to prevent resident access. Further deficiencies included a resident's wheelchair that was persistently unclean, with thick dirt and debris, and a torn armrest exposing uncleanable padding. Multiple observations over several days confirmed the wheelchair remained in this condition, and staff interviews revealed uncertainty about cleaning frequency and repair reporting. Another resident's room was found with large gouges in the drywall next to their pillow, which had not been repaired since the resident moved in. Staff stated that such damage should be reported and repaired, but maintenance was unaware of the issue due to a lack of work orders.