Failure to Maintain Clean, Safe, and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and homelike environment as required by its own policy and regulatory standards. Observations revealed that 15 resident rooms, 3 of 5 hallways, and the activity room were not kept in a sanitary or well-maintained condition. Specific findings included unclean floors with dirty residue in multiple hallways and rooms, non-functioning lights over sinks in resident rooms, and various forms of physical damage such as chipped or missing paint on doors, doorframes, and cabinets. Additional issues included missing or loose cove base, torn or missing linoleum in bathrooms, and large brown rings on ceilings, as well as loose wallpaper and scuffed or damaged doors. Interviews with staff, including housekeeping aides, CNAs, and LPNs, confirmed that the floors and general environment had been in poor condition for at least one to two years. Staff reported that previous cleaning methods, such as the use of wax, had damaged the floors, and that the facility had not addressed these issues in a timely manner. The presence of dark, dirty residue on floors and other surfaces was consistently noted throughout the facility, and staff acknowledged the ongoing nature of these problems. During a walkthrough with the Maintenance Director, Administrator, and a Life Safety representative, it was confirmed that the facility was not maintained in a clean, sanitary, and homelike manner in the affected areas. The observations and staff interviews collectively demonstrated a pattern of inaction and insufficient maintenance, resulting in an environment that did not meet the required standards for resident care and comfort.