Failure to Provide Person-Centered Assistance with Personal Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide necessary assistance with personal hygiene for a resident diagnosed with dementia, depression, cognitive communication deficit, and lack of coordination. The resident's medical record and MDS assessments documented severely impaired cognition and a need for substantial to maximum assistance with personal hygiene and dressing. The care plan indicated the resident required extensive assistance with bed mobility, transfers, dressing, toilet use, and personal hygiene, but did not include specific directions regarding the resident's personal preferences for hygiene care. Over several days, the resident was repeatedly observed in common areas with several days of facial hair growth, despite stating a preference to be shaved daily and not to grow a beard. Interviews with staff revealed that shaving was typically performed only on shower days, and staff were unaware of the resident's daily shaving preference or where such preferences would be documented. Nursing staff acknowledged that the resident's choice should be listed in the care plan, and administrative staff stated that resident preferences were collected at admission but could be limited by cognitive impairment. The facility's policy required respect for resident dignity and individual preferences.