Failure to Maintain Sanitary and Functional Resident Bathrooms and Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by persistent raw sewage odors and multiple non-functioning toilets throughout all six unit zones. Upon entrance and during a facility tour, surveyors observed a strong sewage odor in the lobby, corridors, and near resident rooms, particularly in the 200 and 300 halls. Numerous resident bathrooms were found with toilets that were either continuously running, clogged with fecal matter and brown paper towels, or unable to flush after repeated attempts. Staff were observed attempting to unclog toilets with plungers, often unsuccessfully, and confirmed that such issues were ongoing and frequent. Interviews with various staff members, including the receptionist, housekeeping director, LPNs, CNAs, dietary manager, social services, and business office manager, all confirmed the presence of the sewage odor and the recurring problem of clogged toilets. Staff reported that these issues had persisted for months, with complaints from both residents and visitors. Despite staff regularly reporting these problems to the administration and maintenance department, the issues remained unresolved. The maintenance director acknowledged that clogged toilets were a high priority and that work orders were typically submitted, but on the day of the survey, there were no current work orders for the observed toilet clogs. Documentation provided by the facility showed some attempts to address plumbing issues, such as contacting outside commercial plumbing services and ordering toilet wax rings, but there was no current documentation specifically addressing the ongoing sewage odor or the multiple non-functioning toilets. Facility policies on routine cleaning, disinfection, and preventative maintenance did not specifically address persistent sewage odors or frequent toilet clogs, though administration confirmed these issues would fall under existing policies. Photographic evidence was obtained to support the findings.