Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Comfortable Resident Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for a resident with moderate cognitive impairment, as evidenced by multiple unresolved maintenance issues in the resident's room and bathroom. Observations revealed holes in the wall covered with an unspecified material, missing linoleum exposing black/brown glue, chipped and splintered baseboards, and uneven floor tiles at the entrance to the shower stall. The bathroom contained two unused shower curtain rods, no shower curtains, and a shower chair with a peeling seat wedged under a safety bar. The maintenance supervisor confirmed these deficiencies, noting that the room and restroom were in poor condition and could pose an accident hazard due to the uneven floor. The supervisor also stated that the facility was old, had many areas needing repair, and that work orders had been submitted but not yet completed. Interviews with the resident indicated confusion and moderate cognitive impairment, with the resident stating that the room's condition did not bother him and that he continued to use the shower despite staff recommendations. The administrator acknowledged the facility's age and the need for extensive repairs and painting, attributing delays to recent changes in ownership and prioritization of other issues. Facility policies reviewed indicated a requirement to maintain the building in good repair and to treat residents with dignity, but these standards were not met in this instance.