Failure to Provide Adequate Personal Hygiene Due to Hot Water Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that dependent residents received necessary services to maintain personal hygiene, as evidenced by the lack of hot water for showers. On January 18, 2025, it was reported that one of the two hot water heaters was not functioning, leading to an inability to maintain comfortable water temperatures during peak demand times. Despite the restoration of one heater, the facility continued to operate with only one functional heater, which was insufficient to meet the needs of all residents. No adjustments were made to the shower schedules to accommodate the residents' needs, resulting in residents not receiving showers. Resident R1, who is cognitively intact and dependent on assistance for activities of daily living, reported not having her hair washed for two weeks due to the cold-water temperatures and not being offered a shower. Similarly, Resident R2, who requires supervision for bathing, also reported not having a shower or hair washed in a couple of weeks due to the same issue. Both residents confirmed that their shower schedules were not adjusted to accommodate the lack of hot water, leading to a deficiency in maintaining personal hygiene.
Plan Of Correction
Preparation and submission of this plan of correction is required by state and federal law. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission for purposes of general liability, professional malpractice or any other court proceeding. F-0677 SS-D ADL Care Provided for Dependent Residents Hot Water Heaters were repaired and serviced on 1/31/2025. Hot water was restored. Current residents will be offered showers and the normal shower schedule will resume. The Maintenance Director or Designee will monitor Water Temperatures 5 times a week for 4 weeks to ensure water temperatures remain in acceptable ranges. NPE or designee will re-educate staff on notifying maintenance on the need to report inappropriate water temperatures and if needed to modify shower schedules based on hot water availability. DON or designee will conduct random weekly audits of shower schedules (5 residents) x 4 weeks, then monthly x 2 for residents to verify showers are given. The Maintenance Director or Designee will take water temperatures 5x per week for 4 weeks. Results of the audits will be reported at the monthly Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Meetings for review and recommendations.