CLINTON, KY - A federal inspection at Clinton Place nursing home uncovered a severe fly infestation that persisted for weeks throughout the facility, with one resident reporting finding maggots on her legs on multiple occasions.
Extensive Fly Problem Documented Across Facility
The June 2024 inspection revealed systematic documentation of fly sightings that began in May and continued through the survey period. Facility pest logs showed alarming numbers: 20 flies found at the nurses' station on May 21, followed by consistent daily sightings ranging from 3 to 15 flies in individual resident rooms and common areas.
During the inspection, surveyors observed flies directly landing on residents. On June 26, inspectors documented three flies resting near one resident's thigh while five additional flies swarmed over the resident's bed. Nursing staff were observed waving their hands to shoo flies away from residents.
The following day, surveyors witnessed a fly land directly on a resident's face and another on the left side of her neck. The resident, identified as having intellectual disabilities but being cognitively intact, expressed distress about the situation.
Resident Reports Disturbing Maggot Incidents
Most concerning was testimony from a resident who had lived at the facility since December 2020. During interviews, she reported not only dealing with numerous flies in her room but also discovering maggots on her legs on at least two separate occasions. The resident stated the flies "made her feel bad" and that she "did not like the flies on her."
This resident's cognitive assessment showed she scored 14 out of 15 on the Brief Interview for Mental Status, indicating she was mentally capable of accurately reporting her experiences.
Staff Acknowledge Persistent Problem
Multiple nursing staff members confirmed the severity and persistence of the fly problem during interviews. A State Registered Nurse Aide described flies as "a problem all over the facility." Another aide reported seeing "numerous flies throughout the facility" and characterized them as "a persistent problem."
A registered nurse explained that staff had been logging pest sightings and reporting issues to maintenance. She noted the facility had distributed fly swatters and installed pest control light stations, though she couldn't recall when these measures were implemented. The nurse expressed that "there was more the facility could do to help get rid of the flies."
Inadequate Pest Control Response
Despite having a monthly pest control service, the infestation continued unabated. Service reports from January through June 2024 documented exterior perimeter treatments but lacked specifics about the type of treatment provided or any response to the documented interior fly problems.
When surveyors attempted to contact the pest control company during the inspection, calls on two separate days received no response.
Management Response Falls Short
The facility's maintenance director, who had been in position since September 2023, acknowledged that the current year had been "rough for pest control" and that the problem escalated since spring. He admitted they had not identified the point of entry for the flies and had not considered seeking alternative pest control services.
The administrator defended the current pest control company as "the best thus far" and cited the facility's location near fields and a creek bed as contributing factors. She described various mitigation attempts including fly lights in resident rooms, air blowers over exit doors, and educating residents to keep windows closed.
Health and Safety Implications
Flies in healthcare settings pose significant infection control risks. These insects can carry numerous pathogens and spread bacteria from contaminated surfaces to food, medical equipment, and directly to residents. For vulnerable nursing home populations with compromised immune systems, such exposure creates serious health risks.
The presence of maggots indicates an even more severe sanitation failure. Maggots typically develop in areas with organic waste and poor hygiene conditions, representing a serious breach of basic cleanliness standards expected in healthcare facilities.
Regulatory Standards Violated
Federal regulations require nursing homes to maintain pest-free environments and ensure residents have safe, clean, comfortable living conditions. The facility's own policies mandated effective pest control programs to keep buildings free of insects and rodents.
The documented violations affected multiple residents across different areas of the facility, indicating a systematic failure rather than an isolated incident. The persistence of the problem over several months despite awareness and documented attempts at remediation raises questions about the adequacy of the facility's response.
The inspection resulted in citations for failing to provide a safe environment and maintain proper pest control, with regulators determining the violations caused minimal harm but had potential for actual harm to residents.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Clinton Place from 2024-06-28 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
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