Failure to Maintain Comfortable Room Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain comfortable room temperatures for three residents, as identified through medical record review, observation, and staff interviews. Two residents, both severely cognitively impaired and dependent for care, shared a room where the air temperature was observed to be cool. Another resident, who was cognitively intact, was also found in a room with similarly cool air temperatures. The affected residents had significant medical histories, including Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, dementia, orthopedic aftercare, and other chronic conditions. On the day of observation, the ambient room temperatures for these residents ranged from 59 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit, which was verified by the Maintenance Director. The low temperatures were directly observed during the survey, and the Maintenance Director confirmed the findings. This deficiency was identified during the investigation of specific complaints and affected three out of ten residents reviewed for room temperature concerns.