Merry Heart Nursing Home

NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY Complaint #2729626Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident who was cognitively impaired and high risk for falls received adequate supervision to prevent accidents. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 4 residents (Resident #122) reviewed for falls.On 6/24/26 at 9:15 AM, the surveyor reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) of Resident #122. The resident no longer resided at the facility.The admission Record (a summary of important information about a resident) documented that the resident had diagnoses that included but were not limited to, hydrocephalus (a medical condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain's cavities), mild cognitive impairment of uncertain origin, restlessness and agitation, history of a transient ischemic attack ( mini stroke), and difficulty walking.A comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment, a tool use to facilitate the management of care,…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain the dignity of two unsampled residents. This deficient practice was found with 2 of 5 staff (Certified Nursing Assistant) (CNA) and Hospice Aide (HA) observed during dining observations on the 1st- floor. The deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 1/10/25 at 12:10 PM, during a lunch meal dining observation in the 1st-floor dining room, the surveyor observed the lunch trays being distributed to the residents by five staff members. At 12:15 PM, the surveyor observed the HA standing while feeding an unsampled resident. On 1/10/25 at 12:20 PM, the surveyor observed the CNA standing while feeding an unsampled resident. On 1/14/25 at 12:10 PM, during a lunch meal dining observation in the 1st-floor dining room, the surveyor observed the HA standing while feeding an unsampled resident. On 1/14/25 at 12:35 PM, the surveyor interviewed the HA who acknowledged that she should sit while feeding the residents as it was a dignity concern. On 1/14/25 at 12:39 PM, the CNA was…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to deliver unopened mail in a timely manner for 2 of 5 residents (Resident # 5 and #2) reviewed. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 1/13/25 at 10:57 AM, during the resident council meeting, Residents #5 and #2 stated that they often received their mail opened and then scotch-taped closed. The residents could not recall who had delivered the opened letters that had been addressed to them. The residents were upset and said no one should have opened their mail. Resident #5 stated that she gave her daughter the last 2 opened envelopes yesterday, who was also very upset that someone had opened the resident's mail without permission. The surveyor reviewed the medical record for Resident #5. A review of Resident #5's admission Record indicated that the Resident was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included bilateral shoulder pain related to osteoarthritis. A review of the quarterly Minimum…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Complaint # NJ 00178498 Based on observation, interviews, review of medical records, and facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to follow fall prevention interventions as written on the resident's individual comprehensive care plan (ICCP). This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 3 residents (Resident # 14) reviewed for accidents and was evidenced by the following: On 1/10/25 at 11:09 AM, during the initial tour of the 1st-floor unit, the surveyor observed Resident #14 in a reclining chair in the day room with other residents and staff members. The surveyor reviewed the medical record for Resident # 14. A review of the admission Record revealed the resident was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included but were not limited to osteoporosis, Alzheimer's Disease, hypertension, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A review of the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS), an assessment tool dated 12/29/24, revealed Resident #14 had a Brief Interview for Mental Status of 1 out of 15, indicating the resident was severely cognitively impaired.…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY Based on observation, interview, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to a.)identify and dispose of expired biologicals in 2 of 3 medication carts, and b.) properly store an unopened biological in 1 of 3 medication carts inspected. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: 1.) On [DATE] at 11:45 AM, in the presence of the Registered Nurse (RN), the surveyor began the medication cart (med cart) inspection of cart A located on the third floor. During the inspection, the surveyor observed an opened bottle of Latanoprost Solution 0.005% (an eye drop medication used to treat glaucoma) for Resident #56 that was stored in the manufacturer's packaging (box). The box for the Latanoprost was labeled by the facility with an opened date of [DATE], and an expired date of [DATE]. At that time, during an interview with the surveyor, the RN confirmed that the Latanoprost for Resident #56 was expired and that was the only supply of Latanoprost in the med cart for…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to use appropriate infection control practices specifically for 2 of 5 staff (Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Hospice Aide (HA) not following appropriate hand hygiene during meal service. The deficient practice was evidenced by the following: Reference: Hand hygiene should be performed immediately before touching a patient; before performing an aseptic task such as placing an indwelling device or handling invasive medical devices; before moving from work on a soiled body site to a clean body site on the same patient; after touching a patient or patient's surroundings; after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. CDC recommendations for Hand Hygiene: Updated February 27, 2024: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/hcp/clinical-safety/index.html#cdc_clinical_safety_best_practices_recomm-recommendations On 1/10/25 at 12:10 PM, during a lunch meal dining observation in the 1st-floor dining room, the surveyor observed the lunch…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on interviews and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility allowed 2 of 4 Non-Certified Nursing Aides (NA) to continue working as an NA after the specified 120 days. This deficient practice was identified during NA review. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: Reference: State of New Jersey Department of Health memo dated April 21, 2023 sent to Nursing Homes included the following: Facilities are advised as follows: I. TNAs (Temporary Nursing Assistant) A. Individuals who are working as TNAs must pass the nurse-aide written or oral exam and the State-approved clinical skills competency exam by May 11, 2023, or the end of the federal PHE (Public Health Emergency), whichever comes first. B. If a TNA does not pass the exams by the end of the federal PHE, the TNA may not work after May 11, 2023, unless the TNA meets the requirements of Paragraph C below. C. In order to work beyond May 11, 2023, TNAs must, by May 11, 2023: 1. Be enrolled in a NATCEP CNA training program, and 2. Have completed the first 16 hours of training,…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Complaint #165021 Based on interview, record review, and review of pertinent documents, it was determined that the facility failed to report an injury of unknown origin to the New Jersey Department of Health NJDOH) promptly for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #99) reviewed for investigations and was evidenced by the following: A review of Resident #99's Face Sheet (an admission summary) reflected that the resident was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included but were not limited to hypertension, osteoarthritis, and anxiety disorder. A review of Resident 99's admission Minimum Data Set (MDS), an assessment tool dated 5/31/23, revealed that the resident had memory problems. Further review revealed that the resident required extensive assistance from one to two people for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). A review of a nursing progress note dated 6/8/2023 at 2:53 PM revealed on 6/7/23 at 11:30 AM, the nurse was notified by physical therapy that while standing, the resident was observed to have difficulty with weight-bearing activities and to have facial grimacing. Further…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on observation, interview, record review and review of pertinent facility documents it was determined that the facility failed to follow a physician's order (PO) for the application of heel protectors for 1 of 1resident reviewed, Resident #68. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: Reference: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 45, Chapter 11. Nursing Board. The Nurse Practice Act for the State of New Jersey states: The practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse is defined as performing tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case finding; reinforcing the patient and family teaching program through health teaching, health counseling and provision of supportive and restorative care, under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed or otherwise legally authorized physician or dentist. On 1/2/24 at 10:41 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #68 in bed. The surveyor observed the resident's heels were not offloaded off of the mattress and there were no heel protectors in place. The surveyor observed a dry and intact dressing to the resident's…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to provide nail care to a resident who was dependent on the staff for Activities of daily living (ADL). This deficient practice was identified for 2 of 2 residents (Resident # 68 and #73) reviewed for ADL care. The deficient practice was evidenced by the following: 1.) On 12/27/23 at 11:50 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #68 in the small day room seated in a geri chair. The surveyor observed the resident had bilateral contractures to their hands and that the resident's fingernails were long, jagged, and soiled underneath. On 1/2/24 at 10:41 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #68 in bed with bilateral contractures, nails long, jagged and soiled. On 1/4/24 at 9:55 AM, the surveyor showed the Registered Nurse (RN #1) on the memory care unit the resident's nails and hands. RN #1 moved the resident's fingers which were pressing against their palms and acknowledged that the nails were…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on observations, interviews, and record review it was determined that the facility failed to change the oxygen tubing as directed by the Physician order and follow the facility policy. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 1 resident (resident #40), which was reviewed for Oxygen therapy. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 12/27/23 at 11:00 am, the surveyor entered resident's #40 room and observed an oxygen concentrator (a device which provides supplemental oxygen) and a plastic drawstring bag which was dated 10/23/23 on the outside of the bag. The plastic drawstring bag was hung from the oxygen flow meter (an equipment used to control oxygen flow delivery) and inside the plastic drawstring bag was a nasal cannula tubing with the date of 10/22/23. On 12/28/23 at 12:00pm, the surveyor entered resident's #40 room and observed a plastic drawstring bag with the date of 10/23/23 on the outside of the bag. The plastic drawstring bag was on the oxygen concentrator and was hung from the oxygen flow meter. Inside the plastic drawstring bag was a nasal…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

Based on observation, interview, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to store, label, and date potentially hazardous foods to prevent food-borne illnesses. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 12/27/23 at 10:13 AM, the surveyor, in the presence of the Assistant Supervisor of Dietary (ASD), toured the kitchen and observed the following: 1. In the walk-in freezer, an opened box of fully cooked flame-broiled beef patties in a plastic bag that was opened to air and was not labeled or dated as to when they were opened. 2. In the walk-in freezer, there were 20 beef patties in a plastic bag in a box labeled for an artificial sweetener. The plastic bag or the box was not labeled or dated. 3. In the walk-in freezer, there was a plastic bag with 12 chicken patties identified by the ASD that were not labeled or dated. 4. In the walk-in refrigerator there was a plastic resealable bag with 11 hotdogs dated 11/29/23. The ASD stated that if eaten, someone could get sick and removed the hotdogs. On 12/29/23 at 1:19 PM, the…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.

NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined that the facility failed to store potentially hazardous foods in a manner to prevent food borne illness. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 11/3/21 at 9:34 AM, in the presence of the Food Service Director, Registered Dietitian (FSD, RD), the surveyor observed the following: 1. In the free-standing refrigerator, the surveyor observed an undated and wrapped 1/4 slab yellow sliced cheese and an undated and wrapped 1/2 slab of yellow sliced cheese. The surveyor also observed an undated and covered 1/4 sheet pan filled with spaghetti and meatballs. The FSD, RD stated that these should have been dated once opened. 2. In the walk-in refrigerator, the surveyor observed an undated opened ½ full bag of shredded mozzarella cheese, an undated opened 1/2 full bag of parmesan cheese open, an undated opened 1/2 full bag of opened prunes, an undated opened 1/2 full seven-pound container of [NAME] slaw, an undated opened 1/2 full…

This is the beginning of the surveyor’s statement, cut to keep the page readable — the full 2567 continues past this point and often ends with the findings that matter most, such as whether an immediate jeopardy was removed before the surveyors left. The complete statement of deficiencies is a public record: request it from your state survey agency, or ask the home for its 2567 and plan of correction — it must make them available to residents and families.