F0921

E

Failure to Maintain Clean Kitchen and Unit Appliances

Crown Point, Indiana Survey Completed on 03-23-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified that the facility failed to maintain a clean and well‑kept kitchen and unit pantries, resulting in environmental sanitation deficiencies in the main kitchen, Memory Care Unit, and Independence Hall. During a kitchen sanitation tour with the Dietary Food Manager, a portable fan placed on top of a garbage can next to the handwashing sink was found with an accumulation of dirt and dried food spillage. The white garbage can next to the same handwashing sink had dried food spillage and debris on the lid and sides. Dirt and debris were observed along the baseboards underneath the food preparation counter, as well as on the floor in front of the oven. Additionally, dried food spillage was noted on white PVC pipes located underneath the food preparation counter, and the DFM acknowledged these areas needed cleaning.

Further observations on resident units showed that the microwave in the Memory Care Unit pantry contained an accumulation of dried food spillage, and the refrigerator on Independence Hall had dried juice spillage on its shelves. During interview, the Director of Nursing acknowledged that the microwave and refrigerator required cleaning. These findings reflect the facility’s failure to keep the kitchen and certain unit appliances clean and in good repair as required by 410 IAC 16.2-3.1-19(f).