Failure to Provide Bathing Assistance for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident, who was dependent on staff for bathing due to a history of seizures, muscle weakness, and osteoarthritis, did not receive the required assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). The resident's admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment documented total dependence on staff for bathing, and the geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) Kardex indicated that the resident was scheduled to receive showers twice weekly. However, a review of the resident's ADL documentation revealed that no showers were provided throughout the entire month of January, and there was no record of a bed bath or any documentation indicating that the resident had refused bathing or showering during this period. This deficiency was further substantiated by staff interview, where the Corporate Director of Nurses confirmed that the resident did not receive a shower or bath in January and that there was no documentation of refusal. The lack of both care provision and documentation demonstrated a failure to meet the resident's individualized care needs as identified in the assessment and care plan.