Failure to Maintain Comfortable Room Temperatures During Heating System Malfunction
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable room temperatures and implement adequate interventions during a prolonged heating system malfunction affecting multiple residents. Over a period of approximately 1.5 weeks, residents reported feeling cold in their rooms, with temperatures documented as low as 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While staff provided extra blankets and placed space heaters in hallways, residents indicated these measures were insufficient, and some were not offered warm drinks except during meals. Several residents were only offered the option to move to warmer rooms after an extended period, despite ongoing complaints of discomfort. Staff interviews confirmed that most residents complained about the cold, and interventions such as offering hot drinks or proactively relocating residents were inconsistently applied. Maintenance staff reported delays in repairing the heating system due to the need for corporate approval, with the malfunction affecting specific hallways and resident rooms. Temperature readings taken during the survey confirmed that some occupied rooms remained below the recommended comfort level. Facility policy required the provision of extra blankets, grouping residents, and offering hot foods and drinks during heating system failures, but these directives were not fully implemented. Residents, including those unable to advocate for themselves, experienced discomfort due to the lack of timely and comprehensive interventions.