Residents at a South Jersey nursing home found themselves in a dire situation as essential services failed. The facility's boiler malfunctioned for months, depriving residents of hot water and forcing them to endure sponge baths instead of showers. Food shortages also became a major issue due to unpaid grocery bills and the inoperable stove. Moreover, the person in charge had been absent for months, raising concerns about the facility's management.

Health Department's Enforcement Action

In a significant move, the New Jersey Health Department suspended all admissions to the Medford Care Center in Burlington County. They cited a long list of violations that demand immediate action. The owners are required to hire a consultant to run the facility and a dietary consultant to monitor the weight of the 93 residents. If the necessary repairs and consultant hires are not completed by 6 p.m. on Monday, the state will suspend the center's license.

Boiler and Hot Water Issues

The nursing home's boiler has been faulty for months, with no hot water above 70 degrees available. This has had a significant impact on the residents' daily lives. As a result, they have been forced to make do with sponge baths, which are far from ideal. The lack of hot water also poses potential health risks, especially in a nursing home setting.

For months, the residents have had to endure this uncomfortable situation. It is a clear violation of their basic rights and well-being. The health department's action is a necessary step to ensure that the residents' needs are met and that the facility is brought up to standard.

The fact that the boiler has been faulty for such a long time is a serious concern. It highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such situations from occurring. The residents deserve better, and the health department is taking steps to ensure that they receive the care they need.

Food and Supply Problems

Food has been scarce at the nursing home due to unpaid vendors and the need for staff to make substitutions. On November 14 and 15, the facility had only a 2-day supply of food on hand. This is a clear indication of the facility's financial difficulties and its impact on the residents' nutrition.

The lack of food can have serious consequences for the residents' health and well-being. They rely on the facility to provide them with proper nutrition, and when this is not possible, it can lead to malnutrition and other health issues. The health department's action to address these issues is crucial in ensuring that the residents' basic needs are met.

The fact that the facility has been unable to pay its vendors and maintain a proper food supply is a sign of deeper problems. It raises questions about the facility's financial management and its ability to provide adequate care. The health department's oversight is necessary to ensure that these issues are addressed and that the residents' safety and well-being are protected.

Other Violations and Concerns

The bond ensuring the residents' personal allowances has expired, and trash and recycling materials have been piling up. There have also been issues with employee paychecks bouncing and reimbursement delays. These additional violations add to the overall crisis at the nursing home.

The expiration of the bond is a serious concern as it affects the residents' financial security. Trash and recycling piling up can lead to health hazards and an unsanitary environment. The problems with employee paychecks also demonstrate the facility's financial instability and its impact on the staff.

The health department's enforcement action is necessary to address all of these violations and ensure that the facility is operating safely and properly. The residents deserve to be in a clean and safe environment, and the staff deserves to be paid in a timely manner.

After the Violations Notice

Even after the violations notice, some problems remained unresolved over the weekend. The facility still had not addressed issues with water and other orders. If the boiler is not fixed by Monday, further enforcement actions will be taken.

The fact that some problems persisted despite the violations notice is concerning. It shows that the facility may need more oversight and assistance to address these issues. The health department's continued presence at the facility is essential to ensure that the residents' safety is not compromised.

The residents' well-being is at stake, and it is crucial that the facility takes immediate action to address these remaining issues. The health department's enforcement actions are a reminder that nursing homes must meet certain standards to provide adequate care to their residents.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL