Inspection Reports for Sterling Home
1318 ARCH STREET,, MCKEESPORT, PA, 15132
Back to Facility ProfileDeficiencies (last 5 years)
Deficiencies (over 5 years)
39.8 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
747% worse than Pennsylvania average
Pennsylvania average: 4.7 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
40
30
20
10
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
98% occupied
Based on a January 2025 inspection.
This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.
Census over time
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Census: 41
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Jan 13, 2025
Visit Reason
The inspection was a partial, unannounced follow-up visit conducted due to an incident, to review the submitted plan of correction and verify its implementation.
Findings
The submitted plan of correction was found to be fully implemented, with updates made to resident assessments and support plans to address behavioral service needs including irritability, judgment, agitation, aggression, safety around poisons, and supervision levels. Monthly audits and documentation were established to maintain compliance.
Deficiencies (2)
Resident assessments were not updated to include irritability, judgment, agitation, aggression, or monitoring needs despite incidents of resident-to-resident aggression and suicide attempts.
Resident support plans were not revised to address service needs related to irritability, judgment, agitation, aggression, safety around poisons, supervision levels, or plans to manage expressed suicidal intent and self-harm incidents.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 41
Total Daily Staff: 41
Waking Staff: 31
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 41
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 28
Date: Dec 19, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation with a provisional license status, including a monitoring visit to assess compliance with Personal Care Homes regulations.
Complaint Details
The inspection was complaint-driven with monitoring follow-up to assess correction of previous deficiencies.
Findings
Multiple violations were found including confidentiality breaches, non-compliance with health and safety laws, staffing deficiencies, sanitary and maintenance issues, medication management errors, and smoking area hazards. Plans of correction were directed for all violations with specified completion dates.
Deficiencies (28)
Resident records confidentiality breach due to publicly posted emergency operations plan containing resident names and DOBs.
Carbon monoxide detectors improperly located closer than 15 feet to fossil fuel-burning devices.
Ancillary staff hired without timely criminal background check.
Direct care staffing hours insufficient to meet minimum 1 hour per mobile resident per day.
Direct care staff worked alone overnight without qualification to pass PRN medications.
Staff training records incomplete or missing required details for annual topics and orientation.
Sanitary conditions not maintained including pervasive urine odor, dirty bathrooms, mold, cobwebs, and feces in resident bathrooms.
Lighting deficiencies with missing exterior light on emergency exit route.
Floors, walls, ceilings, and surfaces in poor repair including cracked shower pan, damaged drywall, and exposed electrical wires.
Furniture and equipment in disrepair including loose handrails, damaged light fixture, leaking toilet, and missing toilet tank lid.
Exterior grounds littered with trash and glass bottles creating hazards.
Resident bed linens soiled and not regularly changed.
Insufficient number of usable showers for residents.
Grab bars in bathrooms not firmly secured.
Bathroom door not providing privacy due to inability to fully close.
Individual towels, washcloths, and soap not properly labeled or provided.
Food stored uncovered in kitchen refrigerator.
Resident medical evaluations incomplete or missing required information.
Smoking area littered with cigarette butts and trash; residents smoking in non-smoking areas.
Expired or discontinued medications kept on medication carts.
Medication records incomplete or missing required documentation including medication administration times and initials.
Training records incomplete and staff training hours insufficient.
Active bedbug infestation in resident bedroom.
Trash outside home not kept in covered receptacles; dumpster lids left open.
Ceiling plaster damaged and hanging due to water leak.
Medications and syringes not kept locked and accessible to unauthorized persons.
Medication labels not matching prescribed dosages.
Medication storage procedures inadequate; missing medication supply unaccounted for.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 41
Staffing Hours: 37.5
Staffing Hours: 30
Number of Tub/Showers: 4
Number of Cigarette Butts: 100
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Juliet Marsala | Deputy Secretary | Signed the provisional license letter. |
| Unnamed Administrator | Administrator | Named in multiple findings and responsible for corrective actions. |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Responsible for medication audits and staff training. |
| Executive Director | Executive Director | Responsible for facility compliance, training, and corrective actions. |
| Director of Wellness | Director of Wellness | Responsible for auditing medical evaluations and medication records. |
| Regional Director | Regional Director | Provided education to Administrator on staffing and compliance. |
| Med Tech Supervisor | Medication Technician Supervisor | Responsible for medication administration training and audits. |
| Kitchen Manager | Kitchen Manager | Responsible for food storage compliance. |
| Executive Chef | Executive Chef | Responsible for food storage compliance. |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 41
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 28
Date: Dec 19, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation and provisional licensing review due to violations found during prior inspections.
Complaint Details
The inspection was complaint-related and monitoring in nature, with violations found during prior inspections and follow-up visits.
Findings
Multiple violations were found including confidentiality breaches, noncompliance with laws, staffing deficiencies, sanitary and safety hazards, medication management issues, and environmental concerns. The facility was issued a fourth provisional license with required plans of correction.
Deficiencies (28)
Resident list with full names and dates of birth was publicly posted in the emergency operations plan.
Carbon monoxide detectors were improperly located too close to gas appliances.
Ancillary staff hired without timely criminal background check.
Direct care staffing hours were insufficient to meet minimum requirements.
Direct care staff worked alone without qualification to pass PRN medications.
Staff training records incomplete or missing required information.
Sanitary conditions not maintained including pervasive urine odor, dirty bathrooms, mold, and feces in resident bathrooms.
Lighting fixture missing on emergency exit route.
Floors, walls, ceilings, and fixtures in poor repair including cracked shower pan, damaged drywall, and exposed electrical wires.
Furniture and equipment in disrepair including loose handrails, damaged light fixture, leaking toilet, and loose toilet bowl tank.
Exterior grounds littered with trash and hazardous items near dumpster.
Resident bedsheets soiled and not changed timely.
Insufficient number of usable showers for residents.
Grab bars in bathroom not firmly attached.
Bathroom door did not provide privacy as it would not fully close.
Individual towels, washcloths, and soap not properly labeled or provided.
Food stored uncovered in kitchen refrigerator.
Resident medical evaluation missing medication list and other required information.
Smoking area littered with cigarette butts and trash; residents smoking in non-smoking areas.
Medications on cart not current or discontinued medications still present.
Medication administration records incomplete or inaccurate; medications not documented at time of administration.
Staff training records incomplete and training hours not fully completed.
Active bedbug infestation in resident bedroom.
Trash outside home not kept in covered receptacles; dumpster lids left open.
Ceiling plaster damaged by water leak and hanging near sprinkler unit.
Medication storage and security deficiencies including unlocked medications accessible to residents.
Pharmacy labels on medications did not match prescribed dosages.
Medication missing from medication cart and unaccounted for.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 41
Staffing Hours: 37.5
Staffing Hours: 30
Number of Tub/Showers: 4
Number of Cigarette Butts: 100
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Juliet Marsala | Deputy Secretary | Signed the provisional license letter. |
| Unnamed Administrator | Administrator | Named in multiple findings and responsible for corrective actions. |
| Unnamed Executive Director | Executive Director | Responsible for ongoing compliance and corrective actions. |
| Unnamed Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Involved in medication audits and staff training. |
| Unnamed Director of Wellness | Director of Wellness | Responsible for auditing medical evaluations and medication records. |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 40
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Sep 24, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation and fine assessment at the Sterling Home facility on 09/24/2024.
Complaint Details
The inspection was triggered by a complaint and fine, but no deficiencies or citations were found.
Findings
No regulatory citations or deficiencies were identified as a result of this inspection.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 40
Total Daily Staff: 40
Waking Staff: 30
Residents Receiving Supplemental Security Income: 33
Residents Age 60 or Older: 18
Residents Diagnosed with Mental Illness: 17
Residents Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability: 1
Residents with Mobility Need: 0
Residents with Physical Disability: 0
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 37
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 5
Date: Aug 12, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a partial, unannounced visit due to complaint, provisional, and incident reasons.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related, provisional, and incident-driven. The submitted plan of correction was fully implemented as of October 15, 2024.
Findings
The inspection found multiple deficiencies including abuse related to fraudulent use of a resident's debit card, failure to conduct timely criminal background checks, incomplete direct care training for staff, unclean bed linens, and unsigned support plans. Plans of correction were submitted and fully implemented by October 15, 2024.
Deficiencies (5)
Resident was subjected to abuse involving fraudulent charges on their debit card.
Criminal history check was not requested timely for a staff member.
Direct care staff did not complete and pass the required competency test before providing unsupervised ADL services.
Pillowcase and sheets for a resident's bed were speckled with red and reddish-brown dots, indicating unclean linens.
Initial support plan for a resident was not signed by the assessor or the resident.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 37
Total Daily Staff: 37
Waking Staff: 28
Resident Supplemental Security Income: 28
Residents 60 Years or Older: 11
Residents Diagnosed with Mental Illness: 22
Inspection Report
Renewal
Census: 35
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 16
Date: May 17, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted for renewal, complaint, provisional, and monitoring reasons, including multiple licensing inspections and follow-up reviews.
Findings
Multiple violations were found related to licensing posting, record confidentiality, compliance with laws, furniture and equipment, lighting, refrigerator/freezer temperatures, food/water supply, unobstructed egress, annual medical evaluations, medication administration, medication storage, and following prescriber's orders. Plans of correction were submitted with various completion dates, some implemented and some not.
Deficiencies (16)
License inspection summary was not posted in a public and conspicuous place in the home.
Medication room was unlocked, unattended and accessible with numerous resident records present.
Carbon monoxide detector batteries were outdated.
Ceiling light fixture in resident bedroom #1 had numerous unsecured wires and was inoperable.
Residents #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6 did not have a source of lighting that can be turned on/off at bedside.
Freezer temperature measured 20 degrees Fahrenheit, above required 0°F.
Home served 29 residents requiring 87 gallons of emergency drinking water but only had 30 gallons stored and no contract with a bottled water supplier.
Emergency exit doors in hallway A were blocked by caution tape and a chair.
Medical evaluation for resident #1 was not signed by a physician, physician's assistant or certified registered nurse practitioner.
Multiple medication administration violations including failure to observe residents taking medication, medication carts unattended and unlocked, medication records not properly signed, and refusal of medication not documented or reported.
Resident #7's glucometer did not indicate blood glucose readings documented on medication administration record.
Resident #1, #2, #3 did not have access to a source of light that can be turned on/off at bedside.
Refrigerator temperature in Danby refrigerator measured 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resident #8 was prescribed medication but staff did not observe the resident take the medication; medication was found on bedside table.
Resident #7 did not receive prescribed medication as ordered; prescriber was not notified of refusals.
Resident #1 did not receive prescribed medications at specified dates and times.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 35
Fine Per Resident Per Day: 3
Calculated Fine Per Day: 105
Correction Dates: 15
Staffing Hours: 29
Waking Staff: 22
Resident Support Staff: 0
Total Daily Staff: 35
Waking Staff: 26
Inspection Report
Monitoring
Census: 34
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Dec 27, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was a partial, unannounced visit conducted for fine and monitoring purposes at Sterling Home on 12/27/2023.
Findings
Two deficiencies were found: a bathroom door handle did not lock, compromising resident privacy, and the hot water temperature at a bathroom sink exceeded the maximum allowed temperature. Both issues were corrected on site and plans of correction were accepted.
Deficiencies (2)
Bathroom door handle in hallway A did not lock, therefore privacy was not provided.
Hot water temperature at the bathroom sink in the back hallway measured 131.9°F, exceeding the 120°F limit.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 34
Hot Water Temperature: 131.9
Hot Water Temperature After Correction: 112.8
Staffing Hours: 38
Waking Staff: 29
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Census: 34
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Dec 27, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection visit on 12/27/2023 was a partial, unannounced follow-up to monitor compliance and verify correction of previous deficiencies, including a fine and monitoring reason.
Findings
The submitted plan of correction was determined to be fully implemented. Two deficiencies were noted: a bathroom door handle that did not lock, compromising resident privacy, and hot water temperature exceeding the allowed maximum. Both issues were corrected on site with ongoing monitoring plans established.
Deficiencies (2)
Bathroom door handle in hallway A did not lock, therefore privacy was not provided.
Hot water temperature at the bathroom sink in the back hallway exceeded 120°F; measured at 112.8°F after correction.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 34
Hot Water Temperature: 112.8
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 31
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 36
Date: Aug 10, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a renewal and complaint investigation of Sterling Home to assess compliance with 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600 relating to Personal Care Homes.
Complaint Details
The complaint involved an incident of physical abuse where resident #6 overturned a chair causing resident #1 to fall and sustain a head injury requiring hospital evaluation. Staff person A was found to have solicited money from resident #1. The incident was reported to the Department and police. Resident #1 did not want to press charges. The facility took corrective actions including termination of staff person A and resident education.
Findings
Multiple violations were found including failure to post current licenses and inspection summaries, confidentiality breaches, incomplete resident contracts, abuse incidents, staffing shortages, inadequate training and orientation, fire safety deficiencies, food storage and sanitation issues, and failure to maintain proper documentation and assessments.
Deficiencies (36)
License inspection summaries and current provisional license were not posted in a public and conspicuous place.
Resident medical records were left unlocked and unattended, exposing confidential information.
Resident #5's contract was not signed by the resident or administrator.
Resident #5's record lacked a signed statement acknowledging receipt of resident rights and complaint procedures.
Resident #6 physically abused resident #1, resulting in injury requiring hospital evaluation.
Direct care staff persons had incomplete or delayed criminal background checks.
Insufficient direct care staffing hours provided on inspection day.
No staff present trained in first aid and CPR during multiple time periods.
Administrator had only completed approximately 2 hours of annual training during 2022.
Training records lacked required details such as length and content of courses.
Direct care staff persons did not receive required fire safety orientation on first day of work.
Direct care staff persons did not receive required orientation on resident rights, emergency medical plan, abuse reporting, and reportable incidents within 40 hours.
Direct care staff person had not successfully completed required direct care training and competency test.
Infestation of flies present in living area and hallway near bedroom #7.
Dumpster lid was open and trash was approximately half full.
Hot water temperatures exceeded 120°F in multiple bathroom sinks.
Washer frequently inoperable, preventing laundering of residents' clothing.
Residents lacked operable bedside lamps.
Window blinds in bedroom #15 were inoperable and unable to cover the window.
Food stored on floor in pantry #1.
Freezer temperatures in pantry #1 and #2 exceeded required limits.
Food items in pantry #1 were open and unsealed.
Combustible materials stored near hot water heater in laundry room.
No fire drills conducted from August to November 2022.
Annual fire safety inspection and supervised fire drill last completed on 11/17/21.
Fire drill records lacked required details such as time and year of drill.
Fire drill during sleeping hours not conducted every 6 months as required.
Fire drills not conducted with only one staff person present during overnight hours.
Resident #1's medical evaluation was not signed by the medical professional.
Designated smoking area located near common walkway and exit; resident observed smoking outside designated area.
Weekly menus not posted in a conspicuous and public place in the home.
Resident #5's record lacked documentation of education on right to question or refuse medication.
Preadmission screening not completed for resident #8 prior to admission.
Resident #6's assessment did not reflect current behaviors following an incident of abuse.
Resident #5's support plan did not indicate specific hospice services or frequency.
Incident report of physical abuse between residents #1 and #6 not present in resident records.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 31
Staffing Hours: 28
Required Staffing Hours: 32
Fine Amount Per Day: 160
Number of Violations: 11
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Juliet Marsala | Deputy Secretary | Signed letter issuing second provisional license |
Inspection Report
Renewal
Census: 31
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 37
Date: Aug 10, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a renewal and complaint investigation of Sterling Home to assess compliance with 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600 relating to Personal Care Homes.
Complaint Details
The complaint involved allegations of abuse and mistreatment of residents, failure to submit and comply with acceptable plans of correction, and other regulatory violations. The Department issued a second provisional license based on an acceptable plan of correction. An incident of physical abuse between residents #1 and #6 was reported and investigated.
Findings
Multiple violations were found including failure to post current licenses and inspection summaries, confidentiality breaches, incomplete resident contracts, abuse incidents, staffing shortages, inadequate training, fire safety deficiencies, and food safety issues. Plans of correction were directed or accepted with deadlines for compliance.
Deficiencies (37)
License inspection summaries and current provisional license were not posted in a public and conspicuous place.
Resident records were not kept confidential; medical documents were left unattended in an unlocked office.
Resident #5's resident-home contract was not signed by the resident or administrator.
Resident #5's record lacked a signed statement acknowledging receipt of resident rights and complaint procedures.
Resident #6 was physically abused by resident #1; resident #1 also verbally abused resident #6.
Direct care staff had delayed or incomplete Pennsylvania criminal background checks.
Insufficient direct care staffing hours provided on inspection day.
No staff present trained in first aid and CPR during multiple shifts.
Administrator had only 2 hours of annual training during 2022 training year.
Record of training for diabetes training lacked length and content details.
Direct care staff did not receive required orientation on fire safety and emergency preparedness topics.
Direct care staff did not receive required orientation on resident rights, emergency medical plan, abuse reporting, and incident reporting within 40 hours.
Direct care staff person had not completed Department-approved direct care training and competency test.
Numerous flies present in living area and hallway near bedroom #7.
Dumpster lid was open and trash was approximately half full.
Hot water temperatures exceeded 120°F at multiple bathroom sinks.
Washer frequently inoperable, preventing laundry of residents' clothing.
First aid kit lacked adhesive tape and adhesive bandages.
No operable lamp or lighting source at bedside for resident #7.
Blinds in bedroom #15 were inoperable and could not cover the window.
Box of red potatoes stored on pantry floor.
Freezer temperatures in pantry #1 and #2 exceeded required limits.
Food items in pantry #1 were open and unsealed.
Combustible clothes stored near hot water heater in laundry room.
No fire drills conducted from August to November 2022.
Fire safety inspection and supervised fire drill by expert not conducted annually; last done 11/17/21.
Fire drill records lacked required details such as time and year.
Fire drill during sleeping hours not conducted every 6 months.
Fire drills not held on different days/times; no drill with only 1 staff person in past year.
Resident #1's medical evaluation not signed by medical professional.
Designated smoking area located near common walkway and exits; resident #2 observed smoking outside designated area.
Weekly menus not posted in a conspicuous and public place in the home.
Resident #5's record lacked documentation of education on right to question or refuse medication.
Preadmission screening not completed for resident #8 prior to admission.
Resident #6's assessment outdated and did not reflect recent abuse incident.
Resident #5's support plan did not indicate specific hospice services or frequency.
Incident report of physical abuse between residents #1 and #6 not present in resident records.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 31
Staffing Hours: 28
Fine Amount Per Violation Per Day: 5
Total Fine Per Violation Per Day: 160
Correction Deadline Days: 5
Number of Violations with Fine: 10
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Juliet Marsala | Deputy Secretary | Signed letter issuing second provisional license |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 33
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 14, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a partial, unannounced visit on 06/14/2023 for reasons including complaint, provisional, incident, fine, and monitoring.
Complaint Details
The inspection was complaint-related as indicated by the reason including 'Complaint'. No deficiencies or citations were found.
Findings
No regulatory citations or deficiencies were identified during the inspection.
Report Facts
Total Daily Staff: 34
Waking Staff: 26
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 33
Current Hospice Residents: 1
Residents Receiving Supplemental Security Income: 33
Residents Age 60 or Older: 27
Residents Diagnosed with Mental Illness: 21
Residents Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability: 12
Residents with Mobility Need: 1
Residents with Physical Disability: 0
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 22
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 5
Date: Oct 19, 2022
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation with an unannounced partial inspection on October 19-21, 2022, to address allegations of noncompliance and mistreatment at Sterling Home.
Complaint Details
The complaint investigation was substantiated with findings of abuse, neglect, and failure to provide required care and assistance to residents, including verbal and physical altercations involving staff and agency personnel. State reportable incident was filed on 8/26/2022 by the Administrator.
Findings
Multiple violations were found including failure to provide access to records, inadequate assistance with activities of daily living, abuse and neglect of residents, use of prohibited portable space heaters, and failure to meet mobility needs. A provisional license was issued and fines were proposed due to noncompliance.
Deficiencies (5)
Failure to provide immediate access to resident records upon request by Department agents.
Resident did not receive assistance with bathroom use and care as indicated in the assessment and support plan; staff refused to assist with cleaning and changing.
Resident #2 was verbally and physically abused by staff and agency personnel; neglect and mistreatment were documented.
Use of a portable space heater in a resident's room, which is prohibited.
Resident with mobility needs was not properly assisted; documentation showed resident was unable to walk but was admitted without proper accommodations.
Report Facts
Census at Inspection: 22
License Capacity: 42
Fine per resident per day: 5
Fine per resident per day: 3
Calculated Fine per day: 110
Calculated Fine per day: 66
Mandated Correction Days: 5
Mandated Correction Days: 15
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff person C | Named in findings related to refusal to assist resident with ADLs and involvement in verbal and physical altercation with resident #2 | |
| Administrator | Involved in oversight and response to abuse allegations; communicated with police and program director | |
| Assistant Administrator | Mentioned in relation to lack of access to resident records and involvement in resident care plan reviews |
Inspection Report
Renewal
Census: 23
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 22
Date: Aug 23, 2022
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted for renewal and complaint reasons, including multiple unannounced on-site visits on August 23, 24, 25, and October 19, 20, and 21, 2022.
Findings
The inspection found multiple violations related to resident confidentiality, activities of daily living assistance, privacy, direct care staff qualifications, sanitary conditions, infestation, furniture and equipment, medication storage and administration, and safety hazards. Several repeat violations were noted, and plans of correction were submitted but not fully implemented by the specified dates.
Deficiencies (22)
Unsecured, unattended, and accessible binders on the desk shelf at front lobby entrance containing resident information and complaints.
Resident #3's assessment and support plan lacked proper documentation for medication assistance and oxygen needs.
Resident #4's toenails were ingrown and overgrown, with delayed podiatrist care despite staff requests.
Bedbug infestation with heavy concentration of dead bedbugs and live bedbugs observed in resident rooms.
Sanitary conditions were poor with no paper towels, mechanical air blower, and feces on toilet seat in common bathroom.
Direct care staff person C lacked a high school diploma or equivalent and provided unsupervised care.
No staff certified in first aid/CPR were present during multiple shifts despite 23 residents served.
Poisonous materials such as mustard and carpet adhesive were improperly stored in the pantry.
Furniture and equipment were in disrepair, including broken fluorescent lights and shower handle.
Multiple black trash bags obstructed emergency egress routes on the side porch.
Unlabeled used brown washcloth found in shower stall of common bathroom.
Refrigerator and freezer temperatures were not consistently maintained within required limits.
Prescription medications and syringes were not properly stored; expired medication found in med cart.
Resident medication administration records lacked pharmacy labels and proper documentation.
Blood glucose readings were inconsistent and documentation incomplete for resident medication administration.
Resident #1 was prescribed oxygen at 7 liters but only ordered for 2 liters; home unable to produce required oxygen.
Additional resident assessments were incomplete or outdated, missing current physician orders.
Smoking observed in designated non-smoking area on front porch.
Menu changes were not posted in a conspicuous place and residents were not notified in advance of meal changes.
A 3-day supply of emergency food and water was not maintained; emergency water supply was insufficient.
Exterior grounds were overgrown with weeds and brush obstructing emergency egress routes.
Snow and obstructions piled on back porch obstructed egress and access; personal items and construction materials cluttered area.
Report Facts
Census at Inspection: 23
Total Capacity: 42
Fine Calculations: 110
Fine Calculations: 66
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 19
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 2
Date: May 12, 2022
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation with an unannounced partial inspection on 05/12/2022.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related as stated in the inspection information section. The complaint involved confidentiality breach and safety concerns.
Findings
Two deficiencies were found: a breach of resident record confidentiality where a resident's medical evaluation was left unlocked and accessible, and a life safety issue where an emergency exit door was extremely difficult to open, noted as a repeat violation from 2021.
Deficiencies (2)
Resident #1's medical evaluation was unlocked unattended and accessible on a desk in the front entrance hallway.
The emergency exit door in the hallway past the kitchen was extremely difficult to open, a repeat violation from 4/6/2021.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 19
Repeat Violation Date: Apr 6, 2021
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 18
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Jan 10, 2022
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint and incident investigation following allegations related to staff behavior and resident treatment.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related and incident-driven. The complaint was substantiated as the staff member was found to have verbally disrespected the resident and failed to follow the support plan for redirection. The facility conducted an internal investigation and implemented corrective actions.
Findings
The investigation found that a direct care staff member verbally disrespected a resident during an incident on 01/06/2022, failing to properly calm or redirect the resident as required by the resident's support plan. The facility implemented a plan of correction including staff re-education and ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrence.
Deficiencies (2)
Failure to provide assistance with activities of daily living as indicated in the resident’s assessment and support plan, specifically improper staff redirection of an agitated resident.
Resident was not treated with dignity and respect; direct care staff verbally disrespected resident causing anger and distress.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 18
Staffing Hours: 18
Waking Staff: 14
Residents Receiving Supplemental Security Income: 9
Residents 60 Years or Older: 11
Residents Diagnosed with Mental Illness: 11
Residents Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability: 4
Residents with Physical Disability: 2
Inspection Report
Routine
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 10, 2021
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a licensing inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Service Licensing.
Findings
No regulatory citations were identified as a result of this inspection.
Notice
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 3, 2021
Visit Reason
The document serves as a formal notice granting Sterling Home LLC's request to waive specific Pennsylvania Code regulations related to preadmission screening and medical evaluation forms, allowing the use of alternative forms from Tabula Pro.
Findings
The waiver is granted under the condition that Sterling Home LLC uses the specified alternative forms and that compliance with these conditions will be reviewed during the annual inspection. Failure to comply may result in termination of the waiver or other licensing actions.
Report Facts
Effective date of waiver: May 20, 2021
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Parisi | Bureau Director, Human Services Licensing | Signed the waiver approval letter. |
Inspection Report
Original Licensing
Census: 26
Capacity: 42
Deficiencies: 12
Date: Apr 6, 2021
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a change in legal entity and as part of the initial licensing process for Sterling Home LLC, a new legal entity operating the home.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with regulations but had several deficiencies related to telephone access privacy, sanitary conditions, surfaces, handrails, furniture, exterior hazards, bedroom furnishings, food storage, and unobstructed egress. Plans of correction were accepted for most deficiencies with some document submissions not yet implemented.
Deficiencies (12)
Telephone location did not allow residents privacy to make or receive calls.
Unsanitary conditions including buildup of unidentified substances and cigarette ashes in smoking area, use of cat carrier as litter box, dirty CPAP machine, dried substances on carpet and walls, uncovered urinal with urine on floor.
Emergency exit door glass insert not secured and held by duct tape; blood smear on bedroom door; bedroom door not staying shut; laundry room door grate missing screws and unsecured; gap under emergency exit door.
Exterior handrails in disrepair with broken pieces and jagged edges.
Bedroom chair with cracked and peeling vinyl seat.
Wooden fence leaning with exposed nails; exterior deck board missing chunk of wood posing tripping hazard.
Bedroom #7 had only one chair for two residents (later clarified to have two chairs).
Dirty and stained pillows and linens on resident beds; holes in bedroom walls; frayed and lifted carpet edges posing tripping hazard.
Heavy dust and cobwebs on bedroom window valance and walls.
Food stored in open/unsealed and undated containers in freezer and storage room.
Unlabeled and undated food items in freezer and storage room.
Cable wire on floor in egress path posing tripping hazard; emergency exit door difficult to open requiring great force.
Report Facts
License Capacity: 42
Residents Served: 26
Staffing Hours: 26
Waking Staff: 20
Uncovered Urinal Volume: 200
Fence Section Length: 14
Deck Board Damage Size: 19
Carpet Frayed Edge Length: 35
Carpet Lifted Area: 17
Emergency Exit Door Gap: 1.5
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Toni Petrulak | Administrator | Named as facility administrator during inspection. |
| Karen Georgoulis | Lead Inspector | Conducted the on-site inspection on 04/06/2021. |
| Jamie L. Buchenauer | Deputy Secretary | Signed licensing correspondence and certificate. |
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