Failure to Provide Assistance with Personal Hygiene for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a female resident who required assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically personal hygiene and grooming, was not provided with necessary care to remove or shave her facial hair. The resident, who is alert, oriented, and able to verbalize her needs, was observed on multiple occasions with visible facial hair on her jawline and chin. She reported to staff that she could not shave herself and needed assistance, but this care was not provided. Staff, including LPNs and the unit manager, acknowledged that CNAs are responsible for shaving or removing facial hair during ADL care, yet the resident's facial hair remained unaddressed over several days. Review of the resident's medical records revealed diagnoses including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Morbid Obesity, Glaucoma, and Osteoarthritis. Her assessment indicated a need for supervision or touching assistance with personal hygiene. Despite this, her care plan did not include specific interventions for personal hygiene and grooming related to facial hair. Facility policies require that ADL care, including grooming and hygiene, be provided daily based on comprehensive assessment and care plans, but these were not followed in this instance.