Failure to Honor Resident's Shower Preference
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to self-determination by not providing showers as requested, instead giving bed baths on multiple occasions. The resident, a female with diagnoses including diabetes, stroke, and irritable bowel syndrome, was cognitively intact and able to communicate her preferences. Her care plan indicated a need for assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, and specified maintaining a consistent daily routine. Documentation showed that on at least two occasions, bed baths were given instead of showers, and there was a lack of documentation for showers over a ten-day period. Interviews with the resident and staff confirmed that the resident had missed three showers in the past two weeks and that her preference for showers was known to staff. Staff reported that when the designated shower aide was reassigned, the responsibility for showers fell to the hall aide, who sometimes could not provide showers due to staffing constraints. Both the DON and the Administrator acknowledged that the resident had the right to receive showers as preferred and that her requests should have been met. The facility's policy also emphasized the right to self-determination and respect for resident preferences.