Failure to Provide Scheduled Bathing Assistance Due to Staffing Shortages
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide scheduled bathing assistance to a resident who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically bathing. The resident, who had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis, required substantial or maximal assistance with bathing according to the Minimum Data Set and care plan, which specified bathing or showering twice per week and as necessary. However, facility records showed that the resident received only four out of eight scheduled baths or showers over a one-month period. Interviews with the resident and multiple nursing assistants revealed that staff were frequently unable to complete all assigned showers during their shifts, often passing the responsibility to the next shift. Staff cited staffing shortages, particularly on weekends, as a reason for missed showers. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility had experienced staffing difficulties during the relevant period due to nursing assistants quitting or not showing up for shifts.