Failure to Honor Resident's Shower and Hair Care Preferences
Penalty
Summary
A resident with multiple medical conditions, including muscle weakness, unsteady gait, chronic respiratory failure, COPD, congestive heart failure, and gout, reported not receiving requested care items such as tissues, a shower, and a hair wash despite repeated requests since early morning. The resident expressed a desire to have wounds on her legs covered or changed and indicated a willingness to have her legs wrapped so she could shower, even if the dressings became wet. The resident also stated that she did not receive a shower or hair wash on the day requested, only a wash-up, and emphasized the importance of these services due to an upcoming visit from her son and a friend who would do her hair. Staff interviews revealed inconsistencies regarding the resident's ability to shower independently and the provision of assistance. A CNA stated the resident could shower herself and only requested towels, while also acknowledging the need to wrap the resident's legs. An LPN described the resident as requiring assistance for showers and noted that hair care was typically provided in the salon. The DON referenced therapy notes indicating the resident was in the shower but did not find documentation of a refusal for hair washing. The DON also stated that hair washing is considered part of the shower process. The facility failed to honor the resident's preferences for showering and hair washing as requested.