Failure to Maintain Safe and Homelike Resident Bathrooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents, as evidenced by multiple deficiencies observed in resident bathrooms. For one resident with coronary artery disease and heart failure, who was independent with toileting, the bathroom tile around the toilet was missing, exposing rocks, and this condition had persisted since June. Another resident, who was dependent with activities of daily living, had a bathroom with a non-functioning toilet and exposed wires from a fan blower in the ceiling; these issues had been present since the resident's admission and for at least a week, respectively. Additionally, shared bathrooms connecting several resident rooms were found to have rusted handrails next to the toilets. The rust was observed around the lower part of the handrails where they attached to the wall, with varying degrees of rust in different bathrooms. The Maintenance Director was not previously aware of the rusted handrails and stated that he was responsible for their repair or replacement. Staff interviews confirmed that repairs could be reported through a QR code system, but the rusted handrails had not been reported or addressed prior to the survey. Facility policies reviewed indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for keeping the building in good repair and free from hazards, and that residents are to be provided with a safe, clean, and homelike environment. Despite these policies, the observed deficiencies in bathroom maintenance and repair, including missing tiles, exposed wires, non-functioning toilets, and rusted handrails, were not addressed in a timely manner, resulting in an environment that did not meet the required standards for resident safety and comfort.