One of the most common issues facilities see is the failure to establish a successful housekeeping program. I get it! It’s hard work to keep a facility spotless at all times of the day, but you need to realize the implications of improper upkeep of the community. First, having a community full of debris and odor is a sure-fire way to find yourself in hot water with ADHS. They will take a hard look at facilities that fil to maintain good housekeeping…they will think to themselves, “If they can’t sweep and mop then how are they able to provide proper care to residents?”. Check out the following regulation from ADHS on what is expected for your community housekeeping program:
700.1 Housekeeping and Maintenance
700.1.1
Each assisted living facility shall establish and conduct a housekeeping and maintenance program, to ensure the continued maintenance of the facility in good repair, to promote good housekeeping procedures, and to ensure sanitary practices throughout the facility.
700.1.2 The facility shall have full responsibility to clean and maintain all common areas and shall make no additional charge to the resident or third parties, including Medicaid, for such services. The facility shall ensure that each resident or staff person maintains the residents’ living quarters in a safe and sanitary condition. If the resident declines housekeeping services, the resident’s apartment or unit shall not impact negatively on other apartments or units or common areas (e.g., odors, pests).
700.1.3 For those residents who do not wish to clean their own apartment or unit, the facility shall include this service as part of the service package either for free, or for an additional fee basis and indicate such in the occupancy admission agreement.
700.1.4 Each assisted living facility, in addition to meeting applicable fire and building codes, shall meet the following housekeeping and maintenance requirements:
- All areas of the facility shall be kept clean and free of lingering odors, insects, rodents, and trash;
- Each resident’s apartment or unit shall be cleaned before use by another resident;
- Corridors shall not be used for storage;
- Attics, cellars, basements, below stairways, and similar areas shall be kept clean of refuse, old newspapers, and discarded furniture;
- Polish used on floors shall provide a non-slip finish;
- The building(s) and grounds shall be maintained in a clean, orderly condition and in good repair;
- The interior walls, ceilings, and floors shall be clean. Cracked plaster, peeling wallpaper or paint, missing or damaged tiles, and torn or split floor coverings shall be promptly and adequately repaired or replaced;
- Electric systems, including appliance, cords, and switches, shall be maintained in compliance with state and local codes;
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in compliance with state plumbing and gas codes governing them at the time of construction or as applicable due to renovations;
- Ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and air changing systems shall be properly maintained. All HVAC and gas systems shall be inspected at least every 12 months to ensure safe operation. Inspection certificates, where applicable, shall be maintained for review;
- The building(s), grounds and support structures shall be free of breeding areas for flies, other insects, and rodents;
- Entrances, exits, steps, and outside walkways shall be maintained in a safe condition, including removing or treating snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time of its accumulation; m. Repairs or additions shall meet current codes.
Top Takeaways:
- All areas of the facility shall be kept clean and free of lingering odors, insects, rodents, and trash;
Please…Please take note of this. Do not be the facility that fails to provide pest control services or does not do its best to eliminate urine odors. Contract with a professional if you are not able to adequately meet those requirements.
- Corridors shall not be used for storage;
I promise that if you have storage in the resident common space or hallways you will absolutely be cited by ADHS. Get offsite storage if necessary.