Failure to Provide Oral Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary oral care for a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living independently. According to the facility's oral hygiene policy, oral care is required as part of morning and evening routines, and some residents may need additional care after meals. One resident with diagnoses including dysphagia following a cerebral vascular accident, seizures, anxiety, and dementia with behaviors was observed lying in bed with her mouth open, breathing through her mouth, and exhibiting a large amount of crusty gray secretions on her lips and in her oral cavity. The Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that all residents requiring assistance with oral care should receive it as needed, especially those with dysphagia.