Merry Heart Nursing Home

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, record review and policy review, it was determined that the facility failed to sanitize and air dry steam table pans in a manner to prevent microbial growth. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 06/22/26 at 11:04 AM, in the presence of the Food and Nutrition Supervisor (FNS) Supervisor, and the Registered Dietitian (RD), the surveyor observed the following:In the food preparation area, on a shelf, the surveyor observed two shallow full sized steam table pans which were stacked with water between them. The FNS stated that these pans should have been air dried before they were stacked. The FNS stated that the porter is responsible for washing the steam table pans. At 11:16 AM, the surveyor interviewed the porter, [NAME], who stated that he washed the pans and placed them on a rack near the dishwasher. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased on interview and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) received at least 12 hours of mandatory in-service (education) training annually, for 4 of 5 CNA (CNA #1, #2, #3, and #4) education reviewed. On 6/25/26 at 8:57 AM, the surveyor reviewed the provided in-service education for five randomly selected CNAs for the year 2025 to 2026, which revealed the following:CNA #1 hired on 3/18/21, had 11.5 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026. CNA #2 hired on 4/11/12, had 8 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026. CNA #3 hired on 1/11/21, had 9.5 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review it was determined that the facility failed to develop a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for 2 of 20 residents (Resident #1 and #88) reviewed for comprehensive care plans. 1. On 6/22/26 at 10:37 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #88 in bed, awake, sitting up with knees bent towards their chest. The resident had incoherent speech and could not answer simple questions. Resident #88 was calm and observant. There were no concerns observed. On 6/23/26 at 9:31 AM, the surveyor reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) of Resident #88. The admission Record (a summary of important information about a resident) revealed that Resident #88 had diagnoses that included, but were not limited to, dementia, mood disorder, and major depressive disorder. [...]

Inspectors wroteComplaint #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. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, record review, and review of other pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the necessary respiratory care and services of residents that were receiving oxygen (O2), according to the standard of clinical practice specifically not administering O2 therapy as ordered by the physician for 2 of 2 residents (Resident #1 and #126) and the posting of cautionary and safety signs indicating the use of O2 were utilized for resident that received O2 therapy for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #1) reviewed for respiratory care. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: 1. On 6/22/26 at 10:15 AM, the surveyor entered the room of resident #126. The resident appeared alert and oriented, seated in a wheelchair. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure high blood pressure medication with parameters, a defined set of conditions was followed as ordered by the physician, and in accordance with professional standards of practice and the facility policy of medication administration. The deficient practice was identified for 1 of 4 residents (Resident #130), administered by 1 of 4 nurses observed during the medication administration and 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: [...]

Inspectors wroteRepeat Deficiency Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility staff members failed to ensure infection control practices were implemented by not properly handling the soiled linens to prevent the spread of infection, as reviewed for infection control tasks. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 6/23/26 at 10:40 AM, the surveyor observed the dietary aide (DA) who dropped off a plastic bag of soiled linen inside the laundry room on the floor. The DA stated that they usually put the plastic bag of laundry on the floor, and the laundry aide will take it. The surveyor observed that there is a bin of soiled mops, but nothing for soiled linen. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteComplaint # 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). [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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]. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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: [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteComplaint #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). [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]

Inspectors wroteBased 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. [...]