Failure to Maintain Homelike, Odor-Free Rooms with Appropriate Window Coverings
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a homelike environment for two residents whose room windows were covered in plastic, contrary to the facility’s Homelike Environment Policy. One resident, admitted with multiple conditions including bilateral knee osteoarthritis, generalized muscle weakness, gait abnormalities, cognitive communication deficit, pneumonia, hypertension, and CKD3, had a BIMS score of 15 indicating intact cognition and required assistance or was dependent for most ADLs. During observation, surveyors noted plastic covering the window in this resident’s room. The resident stated they did not like the plastic over the window and found it bothersome. The Director confirmed the presence of plastic covering the window. The second resident, also cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 and dependent for most ADLs, had diagnoses including chronic osteomyelitis of the ankle and foot, a pressure ulcer of the left heel, type II diabetes mellitus, CHF, atrial fibrillation, PVD, COPD, obesity, and generalized muscle weakness. Observation of this resident’s room revealed plastic on the window and duct tape across the plastic, with the resident explaining the duct tape was used to keep the upper window from sliding down. A CNA confirmed that the window was covered with plastic and held closed with duct tape. A subsequent observation identified a strong cigarette odor in the room, which the resident verified and attributed to smoke from outside coming through the plastic and taped window. The facility’s policy states that window coverings should support comfort and individual preference and that rooms will be kept odor-free, which was not met in these instances.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.