Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Heating in Common Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential mechanical equipment, specifically the boiler, in a functional and safe operating condition, which resulted in inadequate heating throughout multiple common areas and resident-accessible spaces. Observations revealed that temperatures in the main entrance, administration offices, dining room, hallways, chapel, and common gathering rooms were significantly below the facility's policy requirement of 71-81 degrees Fahrenheit, with recorded temperatures ranging from 48.5 to 61.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents were observed wearing winter coats, sweatshirts, hats, and blankets to keep warm while ambulating or self-propelling in these areas. The boiler was found to be permanently shut off with exposed wires, and auxiliary heaters were being used as supplemental heat sources, some of which were not functioning properly. Interviews with the Maintenance Director and Administrator confirmed the non-functional status of the boiler and the ongoing low temperatures in the affected areas. The facility had installed PTAC units in resident rooms, allowing residents to control their room temperatures, but did not address heating in the common areas linked to the non-functional boiler. Discrepancies were noted between actual room temperatures and those displayed on PTAC units, with some units requiring frequent resets. The dining room had been closed for at least two years due to the lack of heat, and the Administrator stated that heating common areas was not a priority as they believed it did not affect resident care.