Failure to Maintain Kitchenette Sink in Good Repair
Penalty
Summary
A sink located in the kitchenette of the resident dining room was found to be in disrepair and not properly maintained. During observation, a significant amount of black substance was noted on the bottom shelf and both sides of the sink cabinet wall, along with multiple dead gnats on the bottom drawer face. The bottom shelf of the cabinet was also broken, and black substance was observed sporadically around the ceiling vent above the refrigerator in the same area. These conditions were directly observed by surveyors and confirmed through interviews with facility staff. The Maintenance Director reported being notified by kitchen staff about the issue with the sink area approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the survey, noting the presence of the same black substance at that time. However, the Maintenance Director had not addressed the problem due to being occupied with facility remodeling and had not removed or replaced the sink. The Administrator stated that her expectation was for the Maintenance Director to communicate any needs for repairs, including those related to the kitchenette sink, and that the issue should have been addressed when first reported by staff. The facility's census documented 98 residents in-house at the time of the deficiency.