F0584

F

Facility Fails to Provide Adequate Supply of Clean Linens for Resident Care

Westmont, Illinois Survey Completed on 01-13-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide clean linens in sufficient quantity to meet the care needs of all 98 residents. Surveyors observed multiple linen carts on both floors with either no washcloths or bath towels, or only a few items available, some of which were stained or visibly worn and frayed. On several occasions, linen carts contained only a small number of bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, or gowns, but lacked basic items such as washcloths and towels needed for bathing and incontinence care. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged that a stained towel on a cart was not acceptable for use and reported that CNAs had voiced concerns about not having enough linen to provide resident care.

Residents reported ongoing problems with both the quantity and condition of linens. One resident stated she could not find a usable washcloth because some appeared soiled even after laundering and that some linens were so stained she did not want them on her body; she reported throwing some linens away and cutting up towels to make washcloths. Another resident, who served as Resident Council President, reported that on one day there were no towels available on either floor for her shower, leading her to wash with a paper towel, and that her fitted sheet had a large brown stain present when it was placed on her bed. This resident also stated that towels were not clean, were often stained, had feces on them, and had an odor, and that residents, families, and staff had been purchasing their own disposable wipes due to concerns about facility linens. Additional residents reported days when no washcloths were available, having to cut towels into pieces to use as washcloths, and purchasing their own disposable wipes because facility washcloths were stained and dirty.

Staff interviews corroborated the lack of adequate, clean linens. CNAs described the linen supply situation as “horrible,” stating there were no washcloths or towels available for resident care and that they had personally purchased washcloths and wipes from home to use on residents, discarding them after use. One CNA reported using tissue to pat residents dry during incontinence care when linens were unavailable. An LPN stated that linens were “disgusting” and that she had seen linens come from the cart improperly cleaned. The laundry staff member reported having no backup face cloths, waiting on an order for more, and stated that soiled linens were often sent down late in her shift, limiting her ability to clean them in time. She also acknowledged that some washcloths and towels remained stained even after being washed twice. Resident Council meeting minutes over several months documented resident requests for more frequent linen changes, a greater variety of linens, and stronger or different facial washcloth materials.