Failure to Provide Adequate Nail and Facial Hair Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for a resident who was unable to perform these tasks independently. Observations revealed that the resident had long, white facial hair on her chin and upper lip, as well as dark brown debris under several fingernails on both hands during multiple meal times. The debris under the nails did not match any food items served, and the resident's facial hair was noticeably long. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident's hands and nails should have been cleaned prior to meals and that facial hair should have been groomed, especially since the resident had not refused such care in the past. Record review indicated the resident had diagnoses of dementia with cognitive impairment and hemiplegia following a stroke, requiring substantial assistance with personal hygiene. The care plan specified the need for ADL assistance, including dressing and grooming, and required documentation of care provided. There was no documentation of care refusal in the progress notes. Facility policies required regular nail cleaning and facial shaving, with documentation of any refusals, but these were not followed for this resident.