Failure to Maintain Adequate Supply of Towels and Washcloths for Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an adequate supply of towels and washcloths, resulting in residents not receiving safe, clean, and comfortable care and bathing. Surveyors repeatedly observed linen carts and clean linen rooms on multiple halls with few or no towels and washcloths over two consecutive days. On one day, three of four hall linen carts had no towels or washcloths and the fourth had only one towel; the clean linen room for two halls contained only three towels and eight washcloths. The following day, several carts and linen rooms still had minimal or no towels and washcloths, and the laundry room had no clean towels or washcloths ready for distribution, with the laundry aide folding only a few items. A CNA reported that the facility runs out of towels and washcloths, especially when only one washer is available, and the laundry aide stated they are always short on these items and was unsure if linens had been ordered recently. Cognitively intact residents reported that the lack of linens directly affected their bathing and hygiene. One resident with encephalopathy, a right below-knee amputation, chronic systolic CHF, and HTN stated the facility ran out of towels and washcloths and she had to use a pillowcase to dry off after bathing. Another resident with COPD, abnormal posture, depression, neuromuscular bladder dysfunction, and weakness stated she had not received a shower since the previous week because staff told her there were no towels or washcloths. A third resident with neuromuscular bladder dysfunction, Arnold Chiari syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, and congenital spinal cord malformations stated showers were offered only "once in a blue moon" and that the facility never had towels and washcloths for showers or bed baths. A fourth resident with cerebral infarction, COPD, type 2 DM, HTN, hyperlipidemia, seizures, MDD, and chronic bilateral lower extremity embolism and thrombosis stated there were never enough towels and washcloths. The administrator acknowledged awareness of linen supply issues and referenced prior lapses in ordering under previous administration, while the facility assessment documented that the facility would provide necessary bed and bath linens for day-to-day operations and emergencies.
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