There are risks when many people live together in a communal environment such as a nursing home. Accordingly, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has regulations in place to help protect residents and to keep them safe. These regulations cover a wide variety of topics including residential living, and, more specifically, housekeeping and maintenance.
What’s Required of Nursing Homes?
According to 902 KAR 20:048, there are specific housekeeping and maintenance services that must be provided in nursing homes. These include:
- Maintaining a clean and safe facility that is free of unpleasant odors. All obvious sources of odors, such as toilets and bedpans, should be thoroughly cleaned.
- Always having an adequate supply of clean linens. Soiled linens and clothes should receive immediate attention.
- Sorting and washing soiled linen in a designated laundry area that has handwashing facilities.
- Sorting, storing, and distributing clean linen in a sanitary way. Clean linen should be stored in a closet near the nurses’ station.
- Collecting, sorting, washing and drying clothing and personal laundry separately from bed linens. Personal laundry should be done as often as necessary, and laundering is the nursing home’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed to by the resident or the resident’s family.
- Making sure that the nursing home is kept in good repair.
- Making sure that the nursing home grounds are well kept—including the sidewalks, steps, porches, ramps, and fences.
- Maintaining the interior of the building, including walls, ceilings, floors, windows, window coverings, doors, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
- Keeping garbage in areas separate from where food is prepared or stored and regularly removing trash from the facility.
- Having a pest control program.
If these things do not happen, then your loved one may get sick, fall, or experience another personal injury. If your loved one was hurt because routine cleaning or maintenance was not performed, then now is the time to take action. Your loved one may have been the victim of nursing home neglect and may have the right to make a legal recovery. Please contact us today to learn more.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.
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