Failure to Maintain Comfortable Room Temperature for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable temperature levels in a room shared by two residents, both of whom had intact cognition and relevant mental health diagnoses. Despite the air conditioning being set to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, observations showed the room temperature ranged from 75.5 to 80.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Both residents reported discomfort, with one stating she sweated profusely and the other expressing a desire for a cooler environment. The issue had been ongoing since their admission, and although the residents reported the problem to nursing staff, only additional fans were provided, which did not resolve the discomfort. Staff interviews revealed that the hallway and the residents' room frequently became very hot, and the issue had been reported to the ADON in the previous month without resolution. The Maintenance Director was unaware of the specific ongoing issue until the day of the survey, at which point he discovered and repaired a dislodged air conditioning duct. Facility leadership, including the ADON and Administrator, were not aware of the residents' ongoing discomfort prior to the survey. The facility's policy required maintaining proper temperature and ventilation to create a home-like environment, which was not achieved in this instance.