Unsanitary South Shower Room With Inadequate Hot Water
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to maintain the south shower room in a safe, sanitary, functional, and comfortable condition for 51 residents residing on the south wing. Multiple residents reported that the south shower room did not provide adequately warm water, describing the water as cold to lukewarm and stating they preferred to use the north shower room instead. One resident stated it would be nice if the shower room on that side of the building had warm water and that they had been required to shower there a few times in cold to lukewarm water. Another resident confirmed receiving showers in the north shower room because the south shower did not have warm water. Staff interviews and direct observations further documented unsanitary and uncomfortable conditions in the south shower room. During a tour with an LPN, the surveyor observed black spots all over the shower room ceiling and walls, with a concentration near a rusted vent grate that had peeling paint, and noted a musty odor throughout the room. The LPN stated it looked like mold and attributed the odor to it. Another LPN reported trying to prevent residents from using the south shower due to lack of hot water and “gross” growth on the walls, and stated that most residents refused that shower room, although some CNAs and hospice CNAs still used it. A CNA and an activities aide both stated that the mold, smell, and lack of warm water had been ongoing issues since January and that management had been notified, but they did not believe anything was being done. The Maintenance Director confirmed the presence of black spots on the ceiling and walls and a rusted vent grate, describing the substance as likely mildew from water and lack of ventilation, and acknowledged the exhaust fan had been broken for an unknown period and had not been reported by staff. With the shower running, the water temperature in the south shower was measured at 89.2°F after six minutes and 94°F after ten minutes, and the Maintenance Director stated he would not want to shower in that water and that it should not take that long to warm up. He noted that the sink across the hall reached 109°F, suggesting a possible valve issue in the shower. The DON stated she was not aware of mold/mildew or water temperature concerns in the south shower room, although she used the room without looking at the walls or ceiling, and acknowledged that mold/mildew could put residents at risk for health concerns and that residents are encouraged to take showers rather than bed baths. The Administrator acknowledged seeing black spots on the ceiling and walls and a rusted vent, and confirmed there was no general maintenance or mold policy available when requested by the surveyor.
Penalty
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