Failure to Honor Resident's Shower Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's right to make choices about significant aspects of their life was honored, specifically regarding their preference for showering. Resident #7, who was admitted with diagnoses including Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, and Diabetes Mellitus, expressed a desire to shower daily but was willing to accept the facility's offer of twice-weekly showers. However, the resident reported not receiving showers consistently since admission, instead receiving regular bed baths. The facility's policy required residents to be showered at least twice a week, with refusals documented and reported to a nurse. The documentation revealed that Resident #7 received only six showers over a period of nearly three months, despite the facility's policy and the resident's preferences. Interviews with staff, including CNAs and nurses, indicated a lack of consistent communication and documentation regarding the resident's shower schedule and preferences. CNA #11, who occasionally assisted Resident #7, stated they had never provided a shower to the resident and noted that sometimes the resident was already in bed when they realized a shower was due. CNA #5 mentioned that the resident could be difficult and sometimes refused showers, but this was not consistently documented. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that showers are mandatory at least twice a week and that residents can request more frequent showers. However, there was no documentation of Resident #7's preferences being discussed or recorded upon admission. The Director of Nursing also stated that supervisors should check accountability sheets to ensure tasks are completed, but this was not consistently done. The lack of proper documentation and communication led to the resident not receiving showers according to their preference, highlighting a deficiency in honoring resident choice and self-determination.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved March 5, 2025 I. Immediate Corrective Action 1. Resident # 7 was spoken to by the RN Supervisor regarding her shower schedule which is twice a week and as requested. Resident # 7 was also asked for her preference, but is agreeable to the shower schedule that is already in place. 2. The CNAAR for Resident # 7 was reviewed to ensure that the shower schedule was correctly documented and activated in the resident’s EMR. 3. CNA # 11 was given a 1:1 inservice on ADL care. This inservice included the importance of the resident receiving a shower twice a week and more often if requested. If the resident refuses the shower then the charge nurse will be notified and the event will be documented accordingly. 4. CNA # 5 was given a 1:1 inservice on residents refusing showers. If the resident refuses the shower then the charge nurse will be notified and the event will be documented accordingly. II. Identification of Others 1. The Facility respectfully acknowledges that all residents have the potential to be affected by this deficiency. 2. The DNS / ADNS developed an audit tool to ensure that the resident’s CNAAR reflects residents preference for shower schedules with proper documentation. The DNS / designee developed a list of 10 random residents on each unit in order to audit the showering schedule and documentation on each resident. 3. No other issues were identified. III. Systematic Changes 1. The Administrator, Medical Director and DNS reviewed the policy & procedure for the Activities of Daily Living and found the policy to be compliant. 2. RN, LPN and CNA will be in-serviced by the DNS/Designee on this policy with emphasis on the importance of the resident receiving showers twice a week as to their preference. If a resident refuses the shower then the charge nurse will be notified and the event will be documented accordingly. 3. A copy of the Lesson Plan and Attendance filed for reference and validation. IV. Quality Assurance 1. The Administrator and DNS created an audit tool to ensure that the resident’s CNAAR is accurate for the showering schedule with proper documentation. 2. Audits will be done by the DNS/Designee on 10 random residents weekly x 4 weeks, 10 random residents monthly x 3 months and 10 random residents quarterly thereafter. 3. Audits with negative findings will have an immediate corrective action taken by the DNS and reported to the Administrator for review & follow up. 4. Audit findings will be presented to the QA Committee quarterly by the DNS. V. The DNS will be responsible for overseeing this corrective action plan by 4/7/2025.