Surveyors observed that trash and refuse were not properly disposed of or contained in the dumpster area. Debris including used face masks, used gloves, plastic utensils, and condiment packets was scattered near the dumpster, and a dietary employee transporting a full garbage can allowed multiple large pieces of plastic to blow out onto the ground. The employee retrieved only one piece of the blown trash, left the remaining debris on the ground, and left the dumpster lid open, resulting in improper management of garbage and refuse.
Improper Disposal of Garbage and Refuse at Dumpster Area: Surveyors observed multiple medical gloves, a crumpled cigarette pack, a discarded spoon, and other debris in the grass adjacent to the main dumpster. A mattress was also discarded on the ground near the dumpster, with water and dead leaves accumulated on top. The findings were reviewed with the DON.
The facility failed to follow its policy requiring outdoor garbage containers to have tight-fitting lids kept closed when not in continuous use. During an observation of the outdoor trash area, two of four dumpsters were found with their lids open. The Dietary Manager confirmed at the time of observation, and later in interview, that the lids on these dumpsters were not closed and that garbage was not properly contained to prevent potential rodent and insect infestation, resulting in a deficiency under facility management regulations.
Surveyors found that the facility did not follow its own garbage and refuse disposal policy, which requires adequate receptacles and a clean surrounding area to minimize debris and pest attractions. During observation, the outdoor trash compactor area contained shopping carts, an oversized chair, numerous empty cardboard boxes, and many filled garbage bags left outside the dumpster rather than properly contained. In an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that trash and debris were accumulating in the disposal area and that the facility failed to properly contain and dispose of garbage in the outside dumpster area.
Surveyors found that garbage and refuse were not properly disposed of in the receiving area, where a green dumpster was surrounded by improperly stored items including a hospital-style bedframe on the ground, a non-functioning counter-height ice machine, and a wheelchair with multiple leg rests piled on its armrests. The FSD confirmed the ice machine was no longer working, and facility leadership acknowledged that this equipment did not belong in the receiving area, demonstrating a failure to properly manage refuse and out-of-service equipment.
During an inspection, discarded medical gloves, debris, paper products, and a washcloth were found around two dumpsters outside the kitchen dock entrance. A plastic apple sauce container and other debris were also observed between the lids of one dumpster. These issues were confirmed with the dietary manager, NHA, and DON.
Surveyors observed that trash bags were left outside the dumpster, a used disposable glove was on the ground, and the dumpster lid was open with the container full, indicating improper disposal of garbage and refuse.
A deficiency was identified when the lid of the middle outdoor dumpster was found open during an observation, contrary to facility policy requiring dumpsters to be closed and free of surrounding litter. This was confirmed by the Food Service Director.
Surveyors found that garbage and debris, including weeds, stagnant water, discarded items, and exposed rusted nails, were not properly contained or disposed of in the facility's main dumpster area. These conditions were observed and confirmed with the NHA and DON.
Two outside dumpsters were found with lids left open and liquid collecting in the disposal area, in violation of facility policy requiring proper containment and disposal of garbage to minimize infection risks and deter pests.
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