Bathroom Sink Draining Into Bucket
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for three residents who shared a bathroom sink that was not functioning properly. The sink in the shared bathroom was observed and described as draining into a 5-gallon bucket, with a large hole in the wall underneath the sink and visible staining on the sheetrock. The condition was reported by family members, residents, and staff as having been present for an extended period of time, with accounts ranging from several days to several months. Resident #1 was a female with severely impaired cognition, a BIMS score of 5, and functional needs that included set up or clean up assistance with oral and personal hygiene. Her family member reported seeing the sink draining into a bucket and the wall damaged underneath it. Resident #1 stated the sink had been draining into a bucket for 4 months and that she shared the bathroom with Resident #2 and Resident #3. Resident #2 had intact cognition, used a wheelchair, and required set up or clean up assistance with oral and personal hygiene. During observation, her sink was seen draining into a pipe with a covering over the wall area beneath it. She stated the sink had been draining into a bucket for 3 months and that the bucket made it difficult for her to get to the sink in her wheelchair to wash her hands. Resident #3 had severely impaired cognition and was independent with oral and personal hygiene. She stated she had to use the bathroom next door for 2 to 3 days while the water in her bathroom was turned off, and she also reported the sink had been draining into a bucket for a while. Multiple staff members acknowledged awareness of the condition and gave differing timeframes for how long the sink had been in disrepair.
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