Failure to Maintain Safe and Comfortable Resident Environment Due to Malfunctioning Bathroom Light
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's bathroom light was observed to be flashing rapidly over multiple days. The resident expressed that the flashing light was bothersome, although he could not specify how long it had been occurring. The issue was not reported in the facility's maintenance log, and the Maintenance Director confirmed that he was unaware of the malfunction until he noticed the flashing lights himself. Staff are required to report such issues in the maintenance logbook, but this was not done in this instance. Further review of the facility's policy indicated that the environment should be safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike, with lighting that is comfortable and suitable for residents' needs. The Administrator acknowledged that a flashing light could create an uncomfortable environment and stated that it is the Maintenance Director's responsibility to ensure lighting issues are addressed. The failure to report and promptly address the malfunctioning bathroom light resulted in the resident experiencing a non-homelike and uncomfortable environment.