Resident Room Fails to Meet Minimum Size Requirement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that one of its resident rooms, Room A, met the required minimum size of 80 square feet per resident in a multiple occupancy room or to obtain an approved waiver for the deficiency. Room A, previously used as a physical therapy room, was converted to accommodate four residents, but measured only approximately 284.75 square feet, which is less than the required 320 square feet for four residents. The facility's documentation and interviews confirmed that Room A was not included in the list of rooms with approved size waivers, and no waiver request had been submitted for this room in the current year. The facility's policy also requires that resident rooms meet the minimum square footage per resident. During interviews and observations, it was noted that the limited space in Room A contributed to challenges in resident mobility and safety. One resident described an incident where she tripped over a rolling tray table while navigating the cramped space between beds and the bathroom, resulting in a fall. Staff interviews further confirmed that the room's size was insufficient for its current use, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the importance of adequate space for residents to perform activities of daily living safely and comfortably.