Senior citizens are a vulnerable population and deserve to have their rights protected. According to WAC 388-78A-2990, assisted living facilities are mandated to maintain specific temperatures to ensure residents’ comfort and safety. In this blog, we will break down the specific requirements and what to do if you suspect elder abuse or neglect in a care facility.
Here are the key requirements:
- The assisted living facility must equip each resident-occupied building with an approved heating system capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 70°F.
- Additionally, in communities where the design dry bulb temperature exceeds 85°F for two percent of the year, each building must be equipped with a mechanical air cooling system or equivalent, capable of maintaining a temperature of 75°F, in accordance with ASHRAE standards.
- Assisted living facilities must also have backup heating sources in common areas to ensure residents remain adequately warm during any interruptions to normal heating operations.
- The use of portable space heaters is strictly prohibited unless specifically approved in writing by the Washington State Director of Fire Protection.
- Each resident sleeping room must be equipped with individual temperature controls located between eighteen and forty-eight inches above the floor. These controls should be capable of maintaining room temperature within a range of plus or minus 3°F from the setting, with a minimum range from 60°F to a maximum of 85°F. Modification of these controls to prevent resident access is permissible under the following conditions:
- When documented in the resident’s assessment(s) and their negotiated service plan.
- When maintaining a temperature range between 70°F to 75°F.
GLP Attorneys Supports Nursing Home Abuse Victims
These requirements aim to ensure that senior citizens residing in assisted living facilities are provided with comfortable and safe living conditions throughout the year. However, if you suspect abuse is occurring we recommend contacting an attorney right away. GLP Attorneys has vast experience supporting clients with their nursing home abuse cases. Our experienced attorneys have helped nursing home abuse clients reach seven-figure settlements and receive the justice they deserve.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please call us at 1 (800) 273 – 5005 for a free consultation.