West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF761Aug 29, 2025

  Based on observations, facility policy and interviews reviewed for Medication Storage and Labeling, for 2 of 4 medication rooms (Bliss unit and Reflection unit), the facility failed to ensure that expired medications were discarded, labeled appropriately and failed to ensure personal items belonging to staff were stored appropriately. The findings include: 1.Tour of the Medication room on Bliss unit on 8/21/25 at 9:13 AM revealed the following: Observation on 8/21/25 at 9:17 AM of Polydent Antibacterial Denture Cleaner that expired on 1/4/24 and Zinc tablets with an expiration date of 4/2025, an open box containing 20 packs of [NAME] cleaner, however, date when opened was not identified, 8oz container of Thick and easy powder opened, however, a date indicating when the container was opened… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF812Aug 29, 2025

  Based on observation, interviews and facility policy the facility failed to ensure 2 out of 3 ice machines were maintained in a sanitary manner. The findings include:An observation on 08/21/2025 at 11:36 AM of the interior of the Unit 1 ice machine found a buildup of a black substance on the inner edges of the ice machine. The log fixed to the machine labeled Ice Machine Cleaning Schedule had columns for every month to indicate the date cleaned a check off for removal of the ice, one for cleaning, and another for sanitizing and a column to indicate who completed the work. The last date entered was 06/22/2025. Another labeled affixed to the ice machine was from the mechanical service provider, indicating annual cleaning, sanitization and cleared drains was completed on 03/13/2025. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Aug 29, 2025

  Based on facility record review and staff interviews, the facility did not maintain records of monthly water flushes according to the facility water management plan. The findings include: An environmental assessment completed by a contractor and dated 4/9/2018 identified risk areas for opportunistic pathogens and recommended mitigation steps. Areas that were at risk included showers, tubs, faucet taps, and eye wash stations. Recommendations included flushing any uncommonly used tubs, showers, and faucets for 3 to 5 minutes, and the process was documented and kept in the service records section of the water management program. Additionally, the water management plan indicated that eyewash stations should be flushed monthly. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF584Aug 29, 2025

  Based on observations, review of facility documentation, and interviews for 4 of 5 residents (Resident #4, Resident # 72, Resident #92, and Resident #124) reviewed for environmental concerns, the facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. The findings included: Resident #4 was admitted on [DATE] and diagnoses included paraplegia, and seizure disorder. The quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE] identified Resident #4 was cognitively intact and required the assistance of 2 or more helpers for toilet hygiene and transfers. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF609Aug 29, 2025

  Based on review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy and staff interviews, for one of three sampled residents (Resident #124) reviewed for abuse, the facility failed to notify local law enforcement following an allegation of abuse. Resident #124 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included dementia, paranoid personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. The quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE] identified Resident #124 had moderately impaired cognition and required moderate assistance with personal hygiene and required the assistance of 2 or more staff members with toilet hygiene, dressing, and transfers. […]