Merriam Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Merriam Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF730Aug 12, 2026

  Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure one of the five Certified Nurse's Aides (CNA) reviewed had yearly performance evaluations completed. Findings included: - A review of the facility's staffing list revealed the following CNAs were employed with the facility for more than 12 months: CNA N, hired 04/16/2024, had no yearly performance evaluation upon request.On 08/12/2026 at 09:10 AM, Administrative Nurse D stated the director of nursing was responsible for nursing staff's performance evaluations. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Aug 12, 2026

  Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to prepare and serve food under sanitary conditions to the residents of the facility. Findings included:- During an initial tour of the kitchen on 08/10/2026 at 07:27 AM, the following areas of concern were noted:1. Two white, three-tiered plastic carts used to transfer clean dishes to and from the dishwashing area had food ground into the corners of each tire.2. Six wire racks in the two-doored, reach-in refrigerator were missing several areas of the plastic protective coating.3. The rubber seal around one of the doors of the two-door, reach-in refrigerator hung loosely beneath the door.4. Three wire racks in the two-door, reach-in freezer had several areas of the plastic protective coating missing.5. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF947Aug 12, 2026

  Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure five of the five Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) staff reviewed had the required 12 hours of in-service education. Findings included:- Review of the information facility's in-service records revealed the following CNAs were employed with the facility for more than 12 months: CNA O, hired on 12/28/2023, had not completed the required in-services in the past 12 months.CNA N, hired on 04/16/2024, had not completed the required in-services in the past 12 months.CNA P, hired on 11/15/2022, had not completed the required in-services in the past 12 months.On 08/12/2026 at 09:15 AM, Licensed Nurse (LN) K stated the facility did have online education. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF730Oct 2, 2024

  The facility identified a census of 74 residents. The sample included 18 residents and five Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) were reviewed for yearly performance evaluations and the associated in-service training. Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure three of the five CNA staff reviewed had yearly performance evaluations completed. This placed the residents at risk for inadequate care. Findings included: - A review of the facility's staffing list revealed the following: CNA N, hired on 09/01/22, had no yearly performance evaluation upon request. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Oct 2, 2024

  The facility identified a census of 74 residents. The facility had one main kitchen. Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure staff stored food items in accordance with the professional standards for food service safety. This placed residents at risk of foodborne illness and cross-contamination (the transfer of harmful substances to food). Findings included: - The initial tour of the kitchen on 09/30/24 at 07:13 AM revealed a large open bag of oats stored on the floor of the dry storage area. The refrigerator contained open and undated condiments. Another refrigerator contained an undated and uncovered silver pan with two heads of lettuce in an unsealed bag on top of wilted lettuce. […]