Failure to Provide Nail Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with diagnoses including heart failure and metabolic encephalopathy, who was dependent on staff for personal hygiene and bathing, was observed on two consecutive days with long and dirty fingernails. The resident's clinical record and care plan indicated a need for staff assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including grooming and nail care. Despite this documented need, there was no evidence that staff offered or provided assistance with trimming and cleaning the resident's nails. The resident confirmed in an interview that he would like his nails to be trimmed and cleaned and that staff had not offered to do so. The DON confirmed that nail care should be provided during routine care and as needed.