Failure to Assist with Resident Grooming Preferences
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to assist a resident, who had multiple medical conditions including lymphedema, diabetes, muscle weakness, dementia, and depression, with grooming her chin whiskers according to her stated preference. The resident was observed on multiple occasions with long grey hairs on her chin and expressed that she did not like having long whiskers. She stated that she could cut the whiskers herself if staff provided assistance, and that staff typically cut her hair during showers. The resident required assistance with personal care and was dependent on staff for bathing and toileting, as documented in her care plan and assessments. Interviews with staff revealed uncertainty regarding whether shaving a female resident's chin should be included in the care plan, and staff were not consistently aware of individual resident preferences. The facility's policy required residents to be treated with dignity and respect, including being well groomed and having their preferences respected. Despite this, the resident's grooming preference was not addressed, resulting in a failure to honor her dignity and self-determination.