VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Valley ALF Operator LLC
940 East Lee Hwy
Chilhowie, VA 24319

Current Inspector: Crystal Mullins (276) 608-1067

Inspection Date: Feb. 28, 2022

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-73 RESIDENT CARE AND RELATED SERVICES 22VAC40-73 RESIDENT ACCOMODATIONS AND RELATED PROVISIONS 22VAC40-73 BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Comments:

Two licensing inspectors conducted an unannounced complaint inspection in response to a complaint that was received by the licensing office. Building observations were completed and interview were conducted with residents and staff regarding the allegations of rodents. The preponderance of evidence gathered /reviewed during the investigation does support the allegation, this complaint will be determined valid. The investigation began at 1:30pm and concluded at 2:21pm. An exit meeting was held with the administrator and the director of nursing on 02/28/2022 and at that time the findings of the investigation were shared. As a result of this investigation three violations are being cited. Please develop a plan of correction for each violation cited along with the date of correction and return a signed and dated copy to the licensing office within 10 days (03/21/2022) of receipt. If you have any questions pleas contact your inspector at 276-608-1067. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-73-860-J
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observations made during the tour of the building, the facility failed store cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials in a locked area. EVIDENCE: 1. When Licensing Inspector pushed on the laundry room door, the door knob was locked but it had not latched and could be easily pushed open. 2. According to Staff #1 the facility does serve a mixed population and does have residents with serious cognitive impairments. 3. When the Licensing Inspector entered the laundry room there was a white three tiered shelf that had more than ten cleaning and disinfecting agents stacked on the shelf. All these containers stated "Keep out of Reach of Children" due to the chemical content and the dangers of being ingested.
Plan of Correction:	Facility staff to have education on importance of locking laundry door and ensuring chemicals are kept locked up for resident safety. Facility staff will have laundry door locked at all times and unit manager and/or designee will audit compliance of keeping door locked daily x14 days and then weekly for 3 months. [sic]
Standard #:	22VAC40-73-870-D
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observations made during the tour of the building, the facility failed to keep the building free of infestations of insects and vermin. EVIDENCE: 1. Resident #7 reported she had seen mice in her closet area. The bottom two drawers of the vanity in her room had evidence of mouse droppings visible when the two licensing inspectors looked at the area. 2. Resident #2 stated that she had seen mice in the building, and they would run from her side of the room to the other side of the room.
Plan of Correction:	Resident's rooms will be thoroughly cleaned, adn the dressers/nightstands will be free of mouse droppings. Facility staff to be educated on the importance of cleaning room, dressers, and nightstands to reduce rodent/insect infestations. Facility has provided an additional staff member to ensure proper cleaning will be completed in resident rooms. Unit manager will audit the daily cleaning checklist for compliance with cleaning schedule and inspector rooms for adequate cleaning weekly x4 weeks an then monthly for x2 months. [sic]
Standard #:	22VAC40-73-870-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observations made during the tour of the building, the facility failed to keep clean and in good repair and condition all furnishings, fixtures and equipment including furniture, window coverings, sinks, toilets, and showers. EVIDENCE: 1. Resident #1 has a bi-fold closet door missing one knob, there is a black dirt stain in the carpet between the resident's green chair and the trash can, and behind her bed were more than 20 dark specks of substance on the wall. 2. Resident #2 and #3 share a room, the heating and air conditioning unit in this room was found to have a dark substance splattered all about the front of the unit. 3. Resident #4 and #5 share a room, the black trashcan on the left side of the room is sitting in front of a white nightstand. The white piece of furniture and the wall beside of it is covered with different colored substances which appear to be left on the furniture and the wall as items have been thrown into the trash can. The bottom portion of the commode in the bathroom in this room was covered with dirt and grime. 3. Resident #6 was observed to have a small (less than one inch) hole in the wall above his heating/air conditioning unit. This hole allowed the two Licensing Inspectors to see sunshine through to the exterior of the building. 4. The couch up against the wall in the common room had a very large visible stain on the cushions. According to Staff #1 the stain is because a resident likes to eat sitting at this couch and has spilled.
Plan of Correction:	Resident #1 closet door will have knob replaced, carpet will be cleaned, and walls will be cleaned. Residents #2 & 3 will have heating and air conditioning unit cleaned. Resident #4 & 5 will have rooms, trash cans, nightstands, and bathroom/commode will be cleaned. Resident #6's room will have the hole in the wall patched. Facility staff will be educated on importance of cleaning rooms, trash cans, nightstands, and bathrooms cleaned properly and cleaning schedule to be completed daily. The couch in the common room will be cleaned and cover purchased to be placed on couch. Facility staff will be educated on importance of proper and routine cleaning of rooms, trash cans, nightstands and bathrooms. Facility staff will be educated on notifying unit manager regarding stains that may develop on couches/couch cover for timely cleaning and when there is a hole in the wall for timely repair. Maintenance staff to inspect walls quarterly. Unit manager to audit the daily cleaning schedule3 and inspect rooms for adequate cleaning weekly x4 weeks and then monthly x2 months. Unit manager to inspect couches for stains weekly x4 weeks and then monthly x2 months. [sic]