Failure to Assist Resident in Obtaining Dental Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assist a resident in obtaining necessary dental care. The resident, who had diagnoses including COPD, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, and dementia, reported that his dentures did not fit well and made chewing difficult. He had not been evaluated by a dentist since before his admission. The resident's daughter stated that when she requested assistance from the social worker to arrange a dental appointment, she was told that dental care was not part of the resident's care at the facility and that arrangements could not be made. Review of the resident's record showed no documentation of dental care provided. The Director of Social Services later confirmed that the resident should be able to see a dentist if needed and that the facility would help make those arrangements.