Twilight Gardens repairs ceiling

NORWALK — Twilight Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation has faced some challenges this summer but continues to overcome. A 100-bed facility, there are about 60 patients at Twilight Gardens. On July 10, a sprinkler system in the facility failed, causing significant damage to the kitchen, to the point of being out of compliance. The facility's kitchen ceiling collapsed due to the leak. Colleen Muniga, licensed nursing home administrator for Twilight Gardens, said the sprinkler system broke due to a leak but repairs started immediately and were completed on July 13. As a long-term care facility and nursing home, Twilight Gardens holds a food license and during a routine service inspection by Huron County Public Health (HCPH) on Aug. 26, the department ordered the kitchen to temporarily close. Melanie Myers, HCPH public information officer, said Twilight Gardens is now using a local licensed caterer to provide food service to the residents until remodeling plans have been submitted, approved and the work has been completed and approved. Muniga said the damage to the kitchen was severe. "We are working closely with (HCPH), Richland County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health," she said. "There has been no adverse effect on our residents related to the sprinkler leak in the kitchen." On Sept. 3, the Ohio Department of Health conducted a survey, finding the kitchen's ceiling was separated and the service hallway from the attic space was missing with construction left exposed. As of Sept. 18, the ceiling was completely repaired and in compliance with all codes, the state health department found. During the same inspection, all exit door pathways were ensured to be free of any tripping hazards. On Sept. 8, the health department found Twilight Gardens to be in compliance with requirements related to infection control and emergency preparedness for a COVID-19 focused infection control survey. Muniga said all the residents are doing well, eating three meals a day, getting snacks and having food choices, like usual. "We were getting some help from Fisher-Titus for the first few weeks following the leak and then the facility contracted with Catering by Design, a local Norwalk catering company," she said. "Arvydas Montvilas is the owner and he has been fantastic to work with. Our residents are thoroughly enjoying their meals." While the sprinkler's damage caused some inconvenience, Muniga said, Twilight Gardens has championed through.