Failure to Provide Required Grooming Assistance for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
Two residents who were dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically grooming and personal hygiene, did not receive appropriate assistance as required. One resident, admitted with severe cognitive impairment and kidney disease, was documented as having daily grooming and regular showers, but was repeatedly observed over several days with long chin hairs. Staff interviews revealed uncertainty about whether shaving was offered during showers, and the resident care manager acknowledged that the presence of long chin hairs was not proper ADL care and did not meet facility expectations. Another resident, with moderate cognitive impairment, diabetes, and vascular disease, was also dependent on staff for personal hygiene. Documentation indicated daily assistance, but there was no evidence that the resident was offered or refused assistance to trim chin hair. This resident was observed multiple times with long chin hairs and expressed a desire to have them cut. Staff confirmed awareness of the resident's request and the need for assistance, but the expected grooming was not provided or documented as refused. The resident care manager stated that shaving should be offered at least twice a week during bathing and refusals should be documented, which was not done in this case.