Failure to Maintain Required Indoor Temperatures for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain indoor temperatures within the required range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit for all sampled residents, as evidenced by observations and interviews. On the day of the survey, temperatures in resident rooms, hallways, and the activity room were recorded between 66 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple residents reported feeling cold during both day and night, and several stated that they had notified staff about the low temperatures, but no corrective action was taken. In some cases, residents attempted to mitigate the cold themselves, such as by covering vents with blankets. Residents affected by the deficiency included individuals with chronic medical conditions such as COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, hemiplegia, and atrial fibrillation. These residents required varying levels of assistance with activities of daily living and were cognitively able to communicate their discomfort. Despite their complaints, staff did not resolve the temperature issues, and the cold persisted in their rooms and common areas. Facility staff interviews revealed that thermostats were programmed only with a maximum cooling set point and lacked a minimum heating set point. The maintenance supervisor confirmed that heat was turned on manually only when complaints were received, and staff were not trained to adjust thermostats independently. The facility's policy required temperatures to be maintained within the specified range, but this was not consistently implemented, resulting in prolonged periods of cold for residents.