F0908

F

Failure to Maintain Functional Laundry Equipment Resulting in Linen Shortages

Chicago, Illinois Survey Completed on 01-30-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The facility failed to maintain laundry equipment in good working condition, resulting in inadequate availability of clean linens and personal clothing for residents. Staff interviews revealed that the facility’s washing machines had been malfunctioning over several months. A RN reported that residents had been complaining about their laundry after a washing machine broke approximately two weeks prior to the survey. An LPN stated that a new washing machine had recently been installed and was being used for both linens and residents’ clothing, and that during this period residents voiced concerns about their clothing not being washed and returned. The Ombudsman Residents’ Rights document cited in the record notes that residents have the right to keep and wear their own clothing.

The Housekeeping Director stated that both linens and residents’ personal clothes are washed in the facility and that, when the machines needed repair, clothes and linens were sent to another facility. She reported that three months earlier only one washer was working while another was being repaired, and that one washer was designated for personal clothes and the other for facility linens. She also stated that she frequently had to order additional linens from an outside vendor because there were not enough linens available, and that some residents were hoarding linens in their rooms. At the time of the survey, she reported that a single washing machine was being used for both linens and personal clothing, and that there was a significant difference in capacity and workflow when all machines were functioning.

The Maintenance Director reported that there were three washing machines, but two were not working. One washer had been newly installed after it broke three months earlier, and after that installation the other two washers failed and required repair. The two non-functioning washers were observed in poor condition with rust-like structures and holes, and one contained linens that could not be removed because the door would not open. The facility therefore had only 60 pounds of washing capacity in use instead of the 200 pounds available when all three machines were operational. One of three dryers was also out of order. Multiple residents reported a lack of linens: one resident with bed sores stated that his fitted sheet had not been changed and that he had informed the Administrator he had no linen; another newly admitted resident reported hearing concerns about linen shortages and having to wait for linen; another resident kept a clean towel on her chest to ensure she would have one for care; and a resident with daily diarrhea reported that CNAs often said they had no linen because the washers were broken, leading him to pay an outside service to wash his clothes. Invoices and orders showed that parts for washers and dryers had been ordered over preceding months, and the facility’s laundry policy stated that laundry equipment would be inspected and serviced by Maintenance per preventive maintenance procedures.