Failure to Provide Facial Grooming Assistance for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate grooming assistance, specifically shaving facial hair, for four residents who required help with activities of daily living (ADL). Observations revealed that these residents had visible facial hair, such as white or gray patches on their chins, despite documentation indicating that ADL care was provided and no refusals of care were recorded. Interviews with the affected residents and their representatives confirmed that the presence of facial hair was undesirable and that assistance was expected but not provided. Review of care plans for these residents showed that they required varying levels of assistance with personal hygiene, ranging from supervision to total dependence. None of the care plans documented any behaviors or refusals related to personal grooming, and staff interviews indicated that facial grooming should be part of daily ADL care for both male and female residents. Staff members, including CNAs and LPNs, stated that female residents should not have facial hair and that grooming was expected to be completed during morning care and on bath/shower days. The facility's policy on grooming facial hair outlined specific procedures for assisting residents with shaving to maintain proper hygiene. However, despite these policies and staff expectations, the observed residents continued to have facial hair, and there was no documentation of refusal or behavioral issues that would have prevented grooming. This indicates a failure to follow through with the required assistance for personal grooming as outlined in the residents' care plans and facility policy.