Failure to Provide Assistance with Shaving and Hair Washing for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for three dependent residents, specifically regarding shaving and hair washing. Observations over several days revealed that one resident remained in bed wearing a hospital gown and consistently had a moderate amount of facial hair on her chin. Her records indicated she was not cognitively intact and was dependent on staff for personal hygiene due to a stroke, yet there was no documentation of assistance with facial hair removal. Another resident, who was dependent on staff for personal hygiene due to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, was repeatedly observed with a large amount of facial hair, and there was no documentation that he had been shaved despite regular showers. A third resident, also dependent on staff for personal hygiene, was observed with a large amount of facial hair and matted, knotted hair. Documentation showed he received showers or bed baths twice weekly, but there was no record of shaving or hair washing during this period. Interviews with staff, including the Director of Nursing, confirmed that these residents should have been shaved and had their hair washed as needed, but this care was not consistently provided or documented. The residents involved had significant medical conditions, including stroke, hemiplegia, dysphagia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and limited mobility, all of which contributed to their dependence on staff for personal hygiene. The lack of assistance with shaving and hair washing for these dependent residents constituted a failure to meet their ADL needs as required.