Residents Left Without Bed Sheets Due to Linen Shortages
Summary
The facility failed to provide clean bed and bath linens in good condition for five residents who were reviewed for a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. Survey observations showed that Resident #1, Resident #2, Resident #3, Resident #4, and Resident #5 were at times lying on uncovered mattresses or on folded blankets without fitted or top sheets on their beds. The deficiency was documented through observations, interviews, and record reviews, and the report states that this failure could place residents at risk for a decline in quality of life and feelings of frustration. Resident #1 was a cognitively intact male with a history of stroke, memory deficits following cerebral infarction, and generalized weakness. He was observed lying directly on the mattress with no sheets on the bed, and he stated he would like sheets on his bed and would not want to lie on the bed all day without them. Staff reported that he had an accident every morning, removed his sheets and blankets because he was embarrassed, and then remained without clean linens while waiting for laundry to send more out. Staff also stated that some mornings residents did not have sheets on their beds because there were not enough linens available. Resident #2, who had severe cognitive impairment, dementia, cardiomegaly, interstitial pulmonary disease, and was on hospice, was observed in bed with continuous oxygen and no sheets on the contoured mattress. Resident #3, who had dementia and insomnia and required extensive assistance with ADLs, was observed on two occasions without sheets on the bed and stated she was upset because her sheets had been removed after a bowel movement and not replaced. Resident #4, who had hemiplegia after cerebral infarction, dementia, and diabetes, was observed in his wheelchair with no sheets on his bed and stated he had sheets during the night but did not know where they went. Resident #5, who had chronic respiratory failure, insomnia, and mild cognitive impairment, stated she did not have proper sheets on her bed that morning and that staff sometimes laid her down on a folded blanket without a fitted sheet, which made her feel frustrated and uncomfortable. Multiple staff members stated the facility had a linen shortage or low linens and that residents often had to wait for laundry to provide clean sheets. CNAs and LVNs reported that soiled linens were removed and residents were sometimes laid back down on mattresses or folded blankets while waiting for clean linens to become available. Observations of linen closets and portable linen carts showed empty or nearly empty supplies at times, and the laundry room was observed with washers and dryers not in use during part of the day. The laundry contract required the client facility to provide at least three par of non-decorative linens, including bed sheets and pillowcases, and facility policies stated that residents should receive necessary care and services and be treated with dignity and respect.
Penalty
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