Cedar Lake Nursing Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Cedar Lake Nursing Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Aug 7, 2024

  Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food under sanitary conditions in the facility's only kitchen. There were no trash cans at both hand wash sinks. The dish machine was not sanitizing properly and the DW did not report so it could be repaired. Two thickened liquid cartons were not dated when opened. One 32 oz. carton of almond milk was out of date and being used. A drawer under the tea machine had dried brown substance in the bottom. These failures could place residents who ate food from the kitchen at risk of foodborne illness. Findings included: During observations and interviews on 08/05/24 of the kitchen the following was noted: *at 09:30 AM no trash can at the handwash sink in the dish room. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF576Jul 12, 2023

  Based on interview, the facility failed to ensure the residents received mail for 3 of 3 residents reviewed for rights to forms of communication. The facility did not implement a system for delivering mail on Saturday. Resident #s 12, 24 and 35 said the mail is not delivered on Saturday. This failure could place residents who received mail at risk of not receiving mail in a timely manner and a diminished quality of life. Findings included: During interviews on 07/11/2023 at 9:30 a.m., in a resident council meeting, Resident #s 12, 24 and 35 said they received their mail during the week, but they do not receive their mail on Saturdays. They said they believe they receive it on Monday. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF803Jul 12, 2023

  Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the menu was followed for 1 of 1 meals (lunch meal) reviewed for menus and nutritional adequacy. Dietary staff did not serve bread during the noon meal on 07/10/23 to any residents eating food provided by the dietary department. This failure could place residents who eat food from the kitchen at risk of not having their nutritional needs met. Findings included: The planned menu dated 07/10/23 for the noon meal was herb roasted chicken, creamy noodles, garlic green beans,1 slice of bread, and banana pudding for dessert. The diet spreadsheet for the noon meal indicated residents were to receive Herb Roasted Chicken 3 oz., Creamy Noodles 4 oz., Garlic Green Beans 4 oz., Banana Pudding, #8 dip (3.75 oz. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Jul 12, 2023

  Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food under sanitary conditions in the kitchen. Baking sheets had thick, black burned on substances that were greasy and transferred grease when wiped with paper toweling. Cook A and DA B did not wear a beard restraint when in the kitchen or while serving food and preparing food trays. Mechanically altered chicken removed from the steam table by Cook A and placed on a insulated cover was returned to the pan on the steam table. These failures could place residents who ate food from the kitchen at risk of foodborne illness. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF812Sep 10, 2025

  Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food under sanitary conditions in the facility's only kitchen observed for kitchen sanitation.The facility failed to ensure the ice machine was cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.These failures could place residents who ate food from the kitchen at risk of foodborne illness.Findings included: During an observation and interview on 09/08/2025 at 10:42 AM the ice machine in the steam table room had visible pink debris and dark brown specks present on the ice chute. A paper towel swipe of the chute, done by the surveyor, returned with pink and brown coloring. The DM said maintenance should be the one that took the machine apart and cleaned it with the chemicals. […]