Failure to Maintain Clean, Safe, and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by multiple observations of unclean and unsafe conditions throughout resident rooms, bathing areas, and common spaces. Surveyors observed dirty floors with loose debris, broken and jagged metal on corner beads, broken floor and wall tiles, and significant dust accumulation on fans and vents. Bathing areas contained soiled equipment, such as tub chairs with powdery and thick white and gray substances, shower chairs with residue, and rolling carts with unboxed gloves and personal care items stored inappropriately. The presence of mold, mildew, and rust was noted in several shower and bathroom areas, and some call bell pulls were makeshift and unsanitary. In addition, there were instances of unflushed toilets, brown residue on surfaces, and hair and debris in drains and on floors. Common areas, such as the sunroom and nurse's station, were also found to be unclean, with trash cans lacking liners, dirty coffee carafes, food debris, and spills on floors and furniture. Partially eaten food and dirty dishes were left out for extended periods, and residents were brought into these unclean areas for meals. The nurse's station had a thick pile of crumbs, and there were multiple reports of hair, insects, and other debris in hallways and near resident rooms. Furniture was found to be worn, with exposed stuffing and damaged surfaces, and some resident rooms had broken doors, torn pillow covers, and privacy curtains with dried substances. Interviews with staff, including LPNs, the Infection Prevention staff member, and the Administrator, confirmed the lack of adequate housekeeping staff and the inability to maintain cleanliness and safety standards. Housekeeping schedules revealed minimal staffing, with some days covered only by staff in orientation and no one available to orient them. Leadership staff were reported to be assisting with cleaning due to the shortage, but the facility remained unclean. The Administrator and other staff acknowledged the ongoing issues and confirmed that the facility was not being maintained in a clean or safe condition for residents.