Failure to Maintain Pest-Free Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a pest-free environment, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews involving three residents. One resident with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, and narcolepsy was observed in bed with flying insects on his sheet and privacy curtain, which was confirmed by the Activities Director. Another resident, who was cognitively intact and diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis, essential tremor, and major depressive disorder, had fly paper hanging from the ceiling with several dead insects and kept a fly swatter in bed. This resident reported a significant fly problem, stating that a nurse had provided the fly trap about a month prior, and described the area under his bed as a "graveyard" for dead insects. Staff and the Administrator confirmed the presence of the fly paper and dead insects, with the Administrator noting that the facility did not supply such pest control devices. A third resident, also cognitively intact and with diagnoses including cerebral infarction, diabetes mellitus, psychotic disorder, vascular dementia, and hypertension, was observed with multiple gnats and flies in his room. The resident stated that flies or gnats were always present in his room. Further observation confirmed flies on his comforter and gnats on his pillow, which was verified by a housekeeper. These findings demonstrate a lack of effective pest control measures in the facility, directly affecting the living conditions of the residents involved.