Failure to Maintain Safe and Sanitary Resident and Laundry Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, and sanitary environment in multiple areas, including two shower rooms, two resident bathrooms, and the laundry room. Observations revealed significant issues such as the presence of black slimy substances on shower walls, missing tiles exposing drywall, deep gouges in walls, loose grab bars, and unsanitary conditions including strong odors of urine and visible stains. In one shower room, the bathtub was used for storage of briefs, clothes, and other items, and the hand-washing sink and paper towel dispenser were found to be dirty and rusted. The resident bathroom had a cracked toilet seat with sharp edges, a smashed trash can with holes, and a hand-washing sink detached from the wall. Interviews with staff indicated a lack of awareness and inconsistent use of the facility's maintenance tracking system (TELS). The Administrator and Maintenance Director both stated that maintenance issues should be reported and tracked through TELS, but several staff members reported using informal methods such as verbal notifications or walkie-talkies. Maintenance staff were unaware of several of the observed deficiencies, and repairs to some items, such as the sink, were either temporary or incomplete. The Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that the shower rooms and restrooms were not in good functioning condition for resident use. In the laundry room, both the clean and dirty areas were found to be in disrepair, with broken washers and dryers, gaps under exterior doors, dirty floors and walls, moldy trim, and non-functioning ceiling vents filled with dirt and lint. The Laundry and Housekeeping Supervisor reported that the broken machines had been out of order for months and that there was no known plan for repair or replacement. Staff had resorted to makeshift solutions, such as using towels to block door gaps and duct tape to secure broken floor stripping. Facility leadership acknowledged the need for repairs and cleaning in the laundry room.