Failure to Honor Resident's Shower Preference
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when the facility failed to honor and support a resident's preference for showering. The resident, a female admitted for long-term care, was fully dependent on staff for toileting and required maximal assistance for showering and personal hygiene. Her Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment indicated that it was somewhat important for her to choose between a tub bath, shower, bed bath, or sponge bath. Despite this, the facility did not identify or document her specific bathing preference. The resident's family representative reported that the resident wished to have a shower at least once a week but was only provided with bed baths, a concern that had been communicated to staff. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's preferences. A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) confirmed that the resident was scheduled for baths twice a week but only received bed baths, and was unaware of any specific shower preference. The Director of Nursing (DON) acknowledged during a review that the facility had not identified or documented the resident's choice regarding bathing method. The facility also failed to secure the necessary equipment to accommodate the resident's shower preference, resulting in her needs not being met and hindering her from attaining her highest practicable well-being.