Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers and Document Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide scheduled showers for a resident who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living, including bathing and personal hygiene. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses such as hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, COPD, chronic pain, arthritis, and both Stage Two and Stage Three pressure ulcers, was scheduled to receive showers twice a week according to facility policy and assignment sheets. However, medical record review showed the resident only received two showers over a three-week period, with no documentation of refusals or reasons for missed showers. The resident reported not having a shower in the past ten days and stated that it was common to go without showers for ten to fourteen days, despite wanting showers twice a week. Observation of the resident revealed greasy hair and an unkempt appearance, indicating a lack of personal hygiene care. Interviews with staff, including a CNA, LPN, and the DON, confirmed that residents are scheduled for showers at least twice a week, and that refusals or issues should be documented and reported. However, there was no evidence that refusals were documented or that the lack of showers was addressed, and the DON was unaware of the issue due to the absence of complaints from the resident.