Failure to Provide Sufficient Nursing Staff for Resident Showers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the scheduled bathing and showering needs of residents, as required by policy. Multiple residents, including those with cognitive impairments and those dependent on staff for daily care, did not receive showers according to their preferred or scheduled times. Bathing records showed that several residents received only one or two showers over a period of more than a month, despite not refusing care. Observations and interviews confirmed that residents were left unkempt, with dirty hair, unclean bodies, and in some cases, visible rashes. Residents expressed a preference for showers over bed baths and reported being told that staff shortages were the reason for missed showers. Staff interviews corroborated the lack of adequate staffing, with nurse aides and an LPN stating that they were unable to complete all required showers and daily care tasks due to insufficient personnel. Staff reported having to rotate which residents received showers and being unable to provide quality care, including turning and repositioning. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing acknowledged the staffing challenges. These findings were based on a review of facility policies, clinical records, and direct interviews and observations.