Failure to Maintain Clean and Odor-Free Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and odor-free environment for three residents reviewed for environmental concerns. Observations on multiple occasions revealed musty and urine odors in hallways and outside resident rooms, with no trash or linen carts present to explain the odors. One family member reported persistent foul odors in a resident's bathroom even after cleaning. Another resident, with a history of muscle weakness, diabetes, hypertension, and falls, stated that the carpet was stained, musty, and had not been properly vacuumed, leading her to use her own fungicide to improve the smell. She also reported that a recliner brought from the basement had an unpleasant odor. A third family member described incidents where urine from a catheter was spilled onto the carpet and not properly cleaned, with staff using a paper towel to rub the urine into the carpet. A facility grievance form documented complaints about dirty floors and insufficient garbage cans. The social service designee confirmed awareness of concerns regarding urine on the carpet and the lack of a recliner, noting that these issues contributed to a negative impression of the facility's cleanliness. The environmental services director acknowledged being short-staffed, lacking a floor technician, and stated that hallway cleaning was not occurring as frequently as desired. These findings demonstrate a failure to provide a clean, odor-free, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and visitors.