Failure to Maintain Clean and Safe Shower Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment in two of four shower rooms reviewed. In Hall 300, two shower chairs were observed to be soiled with brown and black substances on the seat, under the seats, and on the frame. Additionally, a section of the shower wall and baseboard was soiled with a black substance. Staff interviews revealed that shower chairs were expected to be cleaned before and after each use by the aides, with cleaning supplies provided and stored securely. However, the presence of soiling indicated that these cleaning protocols were not consistently followed. In Hall 400, a shower bed was found with a thick black substance coating the full length of the white plastic stretcher part under the cushion. Staff acknowledged that the bed needed cleaning, and one CNA reported that she had last used the bed a couple of weeks prior, cleaning only the surface and not removing the cushion to clean underneath. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that reusable resident-care equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between uses and according to manufacturer instructions, but these procedures were not adhered to, resulting in unclean equipment in the shower rooms.