Gauley River Assisted Living is a small assisted living residence that undergoes routine surveys and inspections to ensure the quality of care and living conditions for its residents. The facility consistently maintains a census of around 13 to 16 residents. Various aspects of daily operations are subject to regulatory review, from medication storage and administration to the cleanliness and safety of the living environment. Among the observations made during inspections, there have been instances where medications were found not stored in their original containers, with an AMAP employee admitting awareness that pre-filling medication cups is not permitted. The facility addressed this with retraining and additional audits to reinforce medication handling protocols.
Maintenance and housekeeping have been frequent focal points during surveys. In one instance, mold or mildew-like substances were observed in the upstairs bathroom shower, prompting immediate cleaning and a revised schedule for ongoing sanitation. Elsewhere, damaged or unclean elements, such as torn chairs in the dining/activity room, peeling paint, stained ceilings, unfinished drywall, and dusty air vents, have been identified and subsequently repaired or replaced. The surveys have also brought attention to the upkeep of exterior spaces, documenting issues like displaced balusters on porch railings, overgrown branches, peeling paint, and debris on walkways and rooftops. These findings have led to more thorough and frequent exterior maintenance routines.
Staff training, qualifications, and records have been carefully reviewed as well. There have been occasions where employee files were missing up-to-date clearance or health screenings, including the WV CARES fitness determinations, tuberculosis testing, and food handler certifications. The facility responded by updating files, conducting in-services, and instituting audit systems, with administrators and the registered nurse taking a more active role in verifying documentation. Specific employees such as Leremy Johnson have been involved in investigations or plans of correction at the facility.
Resident records and health assessments are areas of ongoing focus. Past surveys have cited deficiencies such as missing documentation for religious preferences, dentist contact information, and annual health assessments. In some cases, resident service plans had not been completed within seven days of admission, and assessments had missing or outdated tuberculosis screenings. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive and timely documentation, the facility implemented bi-annual audits and retraining to ensure these records are kept up to date.
Incident reporting and resident safety have also been high priorities. Surveys have identified lapses such as delayed or incomplete reporting of major incidents to the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification and a lack of required monitoring and documentation after incidents, including altercations or when residents returned from the hospital. These instances have resulted in the establishment of structured training and clear protocols for monitoring residents at regular intervals following incidents, with staff required to document observations and follow-up actions fully.
The facility's social and recreational programs were also critiqued, especially when activity calendars were not kept current or failed to document what activities took place. Staff have since received additional instruction to ensure daily activities are both provided and recorded. In addition to recreational considerations, the facility's environment has been scrutinized for safety-related issues, such as the presence of locked storage for hazardous materials and the provision of functioning call systems from each bed, with corrective action taken where deficiencies were observed.
Annual and environmental surveys continue to note matters like the need for signatures on disaster and emergency preparedness plans and performing required drills, as well as verifying compliance with fire safety codes and equipment maintenance. When cited, issues are addressed with timely repair or replacement of damaged or missing infrastructure, instituting routine cleaning, and enhancing the systems for oversight and ongoing facility review.
Gauley River Assisted Living’s history of regular corrections and improvement highlights the dynamic nature of residential care settings, where the needs of residents, upkeep of the physical environment, and adherence to procedures must be balanced with continuous staff education. The commitment to address cited deficiencies through retraining, documentation review, and facility upgrades reflects an environment aiming to support resident well-being and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive home for those in its care.