Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Aug 7, 2025

  Based on observation, interview, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure the kitchen was clean and staff performed handwashing between glove use and task changes. These failures had the potential to affect 103 residents who consumed food prepared by the facility's kitchen.Findings include: During observation of the kitchen on 08/04/25 at 10:02 AM, dust was noticed on the potholder above the steam table where meals were served and on the ceiling around the vent areas above the sink and shelving. During observation on 08/06/25 at 11:56 AM, lunch was served from the steam table that sat directly beneath the potholder that had dust on it. And staff were observed to use tongs that had been hanging on the potholder. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF814Aug 7, 2025

  Based on observation, interview, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure the dumpsters' lids were closed, the plugs were in place, and used gloves and debris was picked up off the ground. This failed practice had the potential to allow trash and animals to enter and leave the dumpster and cause sanitary issues.Findings include: Observation of the dumpster on 08/04/25 at 10:10 AM, revealed two dumpsters for refuse. Both dumpsters' lids were open and when the dietary Director (DM) shut the lids a liquid substance splashed on the DM. There were gloves and other debris lying on the ground around the dumpsters. Neither dumpster had plugs in the holes at the bottom of the container. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF584Mar 13, 2024

  Based on observation, interview and review of facility documentation, it was determined the facility failed to maintain a comfortable and homelike environment for 3 resident rooms (room numbers 211, 212, and 213) on the C/D unit of the facility. The evidence of this deficient practice includes: 1. During the initial tour of the unit on 03/04/24 at 11:32 AM, in room [ROOM NUMBER], the surveyor observed the side table missing the middle drawer handle, the walls behind and next to the bed with gouges, the opposite wall with scratches and missing paint, the closets with scratches and missing laminate on the edges exposing the raw edge, and the closet drawer handle hanging perpendicular to the drawer. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Mar 13, 2024

  Based on observation, interview, and review of facility documentation it was determined that the facility failed to a.) properly handle and store potentially hazardous foods in a manner that is intended to prevent the spread of food borne illnesses and b.) maintain equipment and kitchen areas in a manner to prevent microbial growth and cross contamination. This deficient practice was observed and evidenced by the following: On [DATE] from 09:54 to 11:03 AM, the surveyor toured the kitchen in the presence of the Dietary Director (DD) and observed the following: 1. On a metal rack in the walk-in refrigerator, there were two boxes marked raw chicken drumsticks that were resting on a parchment paper lined metal tray and the paper was marked pull with no date. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Mar 13, 2024

  Based on observation, interviews, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to follow appropriate infection control practices and perform hand hygiene as indicated during meal tray pass observed in the Main Dining area. The deficient practice was evidenced as follows: On 03/04/24 at 12:07 PM, the surveyor observed the following: The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was standing at Resident #19's table, and with her bare hands, she opened a packet of powder, emptied the powder into a cup of white liquid and mixed it with a spoon with her left hand. With her right hand she removed a phone from her pocket and touched the phone screen then placed it back into her pocket. […]