Failure to Assist with Personal Hygiene and Shaving
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), specifically personal hygiene related to shaving facial hair, for two residents. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and physical limitations was observed with medium-length chin hair and stated she was aware of the hair but could not remove it herself, and no staff had offered to assist her despite her desire to have it removed. Staff interviews indicated that shaving is supposed to be offered during showers or when facial hair is noticed, but this was not done in this case. Facility procedures and care plans documented the need for staff to provide total assistance with shaving for this resident. Another resident, who was cognitively intact but had physical limitations, was observed with a moderate amount of facial hair and reported repeatedly asking staff for assistance with shaving, but staff had not provided the service. Staff interviews revealed inconsistent practices, with some staff stating that shaving is done as needed or when time allows, and that a wound care technician sometimes performs shaving but is rarely available. Facility policies and job descriptions require staff to assist residents with personal hygiene, including shaving, but these were not followed, resulting in unmet care needs and a lack of dignity for the affected residents.