Failure to Maintain Clean Shower Rooms and Provide Adequate Linens
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for residents, specifically in the maintenance of shower rooms and the provision of clean linens. Observations revealed that two of five shower rooms had visible orange, pink, black, and brown residues along grout lines, walls, and floors, with one area appearing to have a stain resembling feces. Housekeeping staff acknowledged that showers were not cleaned to the expected standard, citing a lack of proper cleaning supplies such as scrubbers and inconsistent cleaning practices. The Housekeeping Supervisor admitted she had not noticed the extent of the residue until it was pointed out, and staff interviews revealed confusion over cleaning responsibilities, with some CNAs stating that aides, not housekeepers, typically cleaned the shower rooms. Multiple residents reported a lack of clean washcloths and towels for bathing, with some resorting to using pillowcases or large towels in place of washcloths. Interviews with residents and a confidential group of twelve residents confirmed ongoing issues with linen shortages, particularly washcloths, and inconsistent bed linen changes after showers. Staff interviews corroborated these shortages, with laundry and housekeeping staff noting that supplies would often run out and that orders for new linens were placed only every two weeks. Observations of linen carts and storage areas confirmed the lack of clean washcloths and towels available for resident use. One resident was observed to have a stained fitted sheet on her bed for at least two consecutive days, with staff acknowledging that sheets should be changed on shower days or when soiled. Interviews with CNAs, LVNs, and the DON revealed inconsistent practices regarding the frequency of linen changes and further confirmed periodic shortages of clean linens and towels. The facility's policy required a safe, clean, and homelike environment, but the policy was not provided upon request by surveyors. The failures in cleaning and linen provision placed residents at risk of exposure to infectious diseases and unsanitary conditions, as directly stated in the report.