Advanced Subacute Sewell: Scalding Water Safety Risk - NJ
SEWELL, NJ - Federal inspectors discovered dangerously hot water temperatures throughout Advanced Subacute Rehabilitation Center at Sewell during a March inspection, with some resident rooms reaching scalding levels of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The inspection conducted on March 7, 2025, revealed widespread temperature control failures that put elderly residents at significant risk of severe burns. Water temperatures exceeding safety standards were documented in multiple areas including resident rooms, shower facilities, and common areas.
Dangerous Water Temperatures Documented Throughout Facility
During the inspection, maintenance staff used calibrated thermometers to measure water temperatures in various locations. In one resident room, inspectors recorded water temperature at 138°F directly from the sink faucet. Another resident room registered an even more dangerous 140°F.
These temperatures far exceed the 120°F maximum recommended by safety standards for facilities housing vulnerable populations. Water at 140°F can cause third-degree burns in just three to five seconds of contact, making it extremely hazardous for elderly residents who may have slower reaction times or mobility limitations.
The inspection also revealed a central shower room with water temperature at 118°F, which while closer to acceptable levels, still exceeded the recommended maximum for resident safety.
Ongoing Temperature Control Problems
A review of the facility's own water temperature monitoring logs from January 1 through March 5, 2025, showed this was not an isolated incident. The documentation revealed consistent patterns of elevated water temperatures above the 120°F safety threshold in resident rooms throughout the three-month period.
The logs showed water temperatures ranging from 111°F to 119°F across all three units of the facility, affecting resident rooms, shower areas, activity rooms, and the hair salon. Most concerning, there was no evidence that rooms with documented dangerous temperatures above 120°F were rechecked or corrected prior to the federal inspection.
Medical Risks of Excessive Water Temperatures
Hot water burns pose particularly serious risks for nursing home residents. Elderly individuals often have thinner skin that burns more easily and may have conditions affecting their ability to sense temperature or react quickly to avoid injury. Residents with diabetes, circulation problems, or neurological conditions face heightened vulnerability to thermal injuries.
Burns from excessively hot water can range from first-degree burns causing redness and pain to severe third-degree burns that damage deeper tissue layers and require extensive medical treatment. For frail elderly residents, even minor burns can lead to complications including infection, delayed healing, and increased risk of other health problems.
Industry Safety Standards and Requirements
Federal regulations require nursing homes to maintain water temperatures that protect residents from burns while ensuring adequate warmth for hygiene and comfort. The generally accepted safe maximum temperature is 120°F, with many experts recommending even lower temperatures of 105°F to 110°F for direct resident contact.
Proper temperature control requires regular monitoring, functioning mixing valves, and immediate corrective action when unsafe temperatures are detected. Facilities must have systems in place to ensure consistent safe water temperatures throughout all areas where residents might encounter hot water.
Administrative Oversight Failures
The inspection occurred while the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) was on vacation, returning March 5th after a three-year tenure at the facility. When confronted with the temperature control violations, the administrator acknowledged the safety concerns in the presence of nursing leadership and the inspection team.
The administrator stated his role included managing the entire facility and ensuring the safety of residents, staff, and visitors. He described himself as "the leader of the building and responsible for operating the entire facility," highlighting the significance of the oversight failure regarding basic safety systems.
Regulatory Violations and Citations
The facility received citations under federal tag F835, relating to quality assurance and performance improvement programs. This violation was classified as having "minimal harm or potential for actual harm" but affected "many" residents due to the widespread nature of the temperature control problems.
The citation reflects the facility's failure to maintain adequate oversight of basic safety systems and to take corrective action when their own monitoring revealed dangerous conditions. The lack of follow-up on documented temperature violations demonstrates systemic problems with the facility's quality assurance processes.
Immediate Safety Measures Required
Following the inspection findings, the facility must implement immediate corrective measures to ensure resident safety. This includes adjusting water heating systems, installing or repairing temperature control devices, and establishing enhanced monitoring protocols.
The facility must also develop procedures for immediate response when temperature violations are identified during routine monitoring. Staff training on temperature safety and proper reporting procedures will be essential to prevent future incidents.
Advanced Subacute Rehabilitation Center at Sewell must demonstrate sustained compliance with temperature safety requirements and provide documentation of systematic improvements to their quality assurance programs. The facility's response to these violations will be subject to ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure resident safety.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Advanced Subacute Rehabilitation Center At Sewell from 2025-03-07 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
💬 Join the Discussion
Comments are moderated. Please keep discussions respectful and relevant to nursing home care quality.