Failure to Assist Dependent Residents with Shaving as Required
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with shaving for two dependent residents who required substantial or maximal help with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically grooming. Both residents had documented cognitive impairments and self-care deficits, with care plans indicating the need for staff to assist with grooming to maintain a clean and neat appearance. Despite these documented needs, observations over several days revealed that both residents had long, unshaven facial hair. Interviews with the residents, their family members, and staff confirmed that shaving was not offered or performed as required, and there was no documentation in the medical records to indicate that shaving had been completed, refused, or that any issues had been reported according to facility policy. For one resident, staff interviews revealed confusion about who was responsible for shaving and when it should be performed, with some staff stating it was done during showers and others admitting they had not provided or documented the care. The other resident's spouse reported having to pay out of pocket for shaving services, as staff had not provided this care. Facility records and progress notes lacked any documentation of shaving or refusals, contrary to the facility's own policy, which requires recording the date, time, and staff involved in the procedure, as well as any refusals or issues encountered.