Failure to Provide Necessary Grooming Assistance for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident who was unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) did not receive necessary assistance with grooming and personal hygiene. The resident was observed on two separate occasions to have long, white hairs on her chin, which she expressed a desire to have removed. Despite her requests, the facial hair was not addressed during routine care visits. The resident reported that her assigned Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) had not offered grooming assistance, and the CNA later acknowledged seeing the facial hair but had not yet taken action to remove it. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that it is the CNA's responsibility to assist residents with grooming, including trimming facial hair, as part of ADL care. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the CNA should have addressed the facial hair immediately upon noticing it. The resident's records indicated she had muscle weakness, unspecified lack of coordination, and a moderately impaired cognitive status, further supporting her need for assistance with personal care. The facility's policy also emphasized the importance of treating residents with dignity and attending to their personal needs.