Failure to Maintain Clean, Comfortable, and Homelike Environment in Resident Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment in multiple areas, including two shared resident bathrooms, a community shower room, and the main dining room. Observations revealed that the shared bathrooms had strong, unpleasant odors, sticky floors, broken and stained tiles, poor lighting, and damaged walls. Staff and residents confirmed these conditions, noting persistent odors, moldy or stained areas, and a lack of cleanliness and comfort. The community shower room was found to have missing tiles, no grout, an uneven and sunken floor, dust and dirt accumulation, disorganized medical equipment, overflowing trash cans, and a strong musty odor suggestive of mold or mildew. Staff interviews corroborated these findings, describing the room as dirty, in need of cleaning, and not homelike. In the main dining room, observations during multiple meal services showed that residents often sat alone at bare tables with minimal decor, no music or television, and little to no engagement from staff. Residents were observed waiting for meals in silence, with some staring at the walls or at each other, and staff either absent or standing at a distance without interacting with residents. Staff interviews indicated that music or movies were previously provided but were no longer offered, and that the dining room atmosphere was described as "dead." Residents reported difficulty obtaining assistance in the dining room due to staff inattention. The facility's own policy requires staff to provide a clean, safe, and homelike environment, but observations and interviews demonstrated that these standards were not met in the identified areas. The lack of cleanliness, maintenance, and engagement in these common areas contributed to an environment that was not comfortable or homelike for residents, as confirmed by both staff and resident statements.