Inconsistent Linen Availability Delayed Resident Hygiene Care
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that clean linens were consistently available to meet residents’ needs. Survey observations and interviews showed multiple linen closets on different halls with very limited supplies, including closets with no pillowcases, no gowns, no blankets, and only a few washcloths and towels for the residents assigned to those areas. Staff on several halls stated that when linens ran out, they borrowed from other halls, used towels or other linens in place of washcloths, or searched the building for supplies. Laundry staff and management acknowledged that linen shortages were an ongoing problem and that staff had complained about not having enough linen supplies. Resident #103 was admitted with diagnoses including diabetes mellitus, failure to thrive, muscle weakness, protein calorie malnutrition, bipolar II disorder, and difficulty walking. The resident’s MDS showed cognitive intactness with a BIMS score of 15/15 and dependence for toileting and showering/bathing. The resident’s care plan and physician orders required showers on Wednesday and Saturday, incontinence care as needed, and assistance with bathing and hygiene. On the night of the incident, staff documented that a washcloth was unavailable and that the resident was offered a shower using clean towels, which the resident refused. The resident stated that she wanted a shower but there were no washcloths or towels available and that she did not want to use a sheet. Interviews with CNA and nursing staff confirmed that linen shortages affected resident care on the unit. A CNA stated that on the shift in question she could not find washcloths on any hall and told the nurse, who then went to the basement laundry area but found no one there. Another nurse stated that linen shortages were happening regularly over the prior weeks and that CNAs had complained about not having enough linens for incontinence care. The resident reported waiting over two hours in a dirty brief because linens were unavailable, feeling dirty, and not receiving the shower until the next scheduled shower day several days later. Laundry staff also stated that deliveries were inconsistent, that some shifts were late, and that there was a gap between deliveries that contributed to the shortage of linens available on the halls.
Penalty
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