Failure to Address Resident's Environmental Concern Regarding Window Cracks
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a comfortable environment for one resident with multiple medical conditions, including paraplegia, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, a sacral pressure ulcer, major depressive disorder, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, and anxiety. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported feeling cold air coming from cracks in the window of his room on multiple occasions. These concerns were documented in resident council minutes, where the resident requested maintenance to check his room. Despite these repeated requests, the Maintenance Director stated he was not informed of the issue and had not received any work orders for the room. Upon assessment, both the surveyor and the Maintenance Director confirmed the presence of multiple cracks in the window and cold air entering the room, which the Maintenance Director classified as an emergency situation. A wound care technician reported that the resident had communicated feeling cold due to the window, and that maintenance had been informed. The facility's policies and job descriptions require prompt response to maintenance and life safety needs, and the Administrator confirmed that maintenance requests should be addressed as soon as possible or within 24 hours. However, the Administrator was unaware of the resident's repeated complaints about the window. Facility policies also emphasize the importance of providing a safe, clean, and comfortable environment and ensuring residents' rights and dignity, including timely response to concerns raised through the resident council.