North Country Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at North Country Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF803Aug 15, 2025

  Based on record review, observations, and interview during the recertification and abbreviated surveys (NY00351103) conducted 8/11/2025-8/15/2025, the facility did not ensure facility menus reflected input received from residents and resident groups for 7 of 7 anonymous residents present at the resident group meeting. Specifically, generic menus were provided to the residents without specific fruits and vegetables to be served and had repetitive starches daily resulting in complaints about the lack of variety in food options. Findings included:The facility policy Resident Food Preferences, revised 7/2024 documented the dietitian, or designee would identify a resident's food preferences. Those preferences were documented in the resident's care plan. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Aug 15, 2025

  Based on observations, record review, and interviews during the recertification survey conducted 8/11/2025-8/15/2025, the facility did not store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety for one (1) of one (1) main kitchen reviewed. Specifically, the main kitchen dish machine did not reach the temperature required to sanitize soiled dishware; food in the freezer was not labeled or dated; the dish machine temperature log and three bay sink sanitizer testing logs were not completed every day; and appropriate hand hygiene was not performed. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF801Dec 15, 2023

  Based on record review and interview conducted during the recertification survey on 12/11/2023 - 12/15/2023, the facility did not ensure sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills to carry out the function of the food and nutrition service were in place at the facility. Specifically, the facility did not have a qualified person to serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition services or a qualified dietician onsite at the facility to carry out food and nutrition services. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Dec 15, 2023

  Based on observation, record review and interview during the recertification survey and abbreviated survey (NY00299190) 12/11/2023 - 12/15/2023, the facility did not ensure the main kitchen was maintained in accordance with professional standards for food service safety in the main kitchen. Specifically, the floors, ice machine and walk-in freezer were unclean with food debris and ice buildup. In addition, there was no hand wash sign adjacent to the dish machine and cartons of milk were stored past expiration date in the milk cooler. Findings include: The facility policy North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Food Receiving and Storage, revised 10/2023, documented food would be received and stored in a manner that complied with safe food handling practices. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Dec 15, 2023

  Based on observation, record review and interviews during the recertification survey conducted 12/11/2023 -12/15/2023, the facility did not establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment, to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections for 10 of 10 staff members (certified nurse aides #1, 2, 6,10, 11,17 and 21 and licensed practical nurse unit managers #3, 9 and13) observed entering droplet precaution or COVID-19 resident rooms for 7 of 7 residents (Residents #27, 72, 31, 120, 121 and 382), 2 of 2 residents (#101 and 121) who were COVID-19 positive observed in common areas with non-positive residents and for 1 of 1 (Resident #63) residents with a urinary catheter… […]