Failure to Provide Consistent Access to Fresh Drinking Water
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that fresh drinking water was consistently and readily accessible to residents, resulting in inadequate hydration and failure to meet resident preferences and comfort for three of ten residents. Observations and interviews revealed that residents often had to request water, which was not always provided, and that ice was unavailable due to broken ice machines. Documentation showed low daily fluid intake for the affected residents, with some days lacking any documentation of intake. Water pitchers were not consistently filled or kept within easy reach, as required by the facility's Certified Nursing Assistant job description. Residents involved included individuals with care plans addressing inadequate food and beverage intake, as well as those with a history or risk of dehydration due to conditions such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. During rounds, it was observed that water and ice were not routinely offered, and residents confirmed they had not received water or ice as expected. Facility leadership acknowledged the failure to provide consistent access to fresh drinking water, which was corroborated by both staff and resident interviews.