Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers Due to Towel Shortage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three residents who were unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently received necessary services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene. Record reviews and interviews revealed that these residents did not consistently receive scheduled showers or bed baths during the month of May 2025, despite care plans indicating the need for substantial or maximal staff assistance. Documentation showed missed or inconsistent bathing dates, and residents reported not being offered showers as scheduled, with no explanations provided for the missed care. Interviews with staff, including a CNA and an RN, confirmed that showers were not always provided due to a lack of available towels, an issue that had been ongoing and reported to management. The CNA stated that on certain days, such as 5/27/25, no scheduled showers were offered because towels were not available until late in the shift. The RN corroborated that aides had reported the towel shortage and that management, including the ADON, was aware of the problem. The ADON acknowledged the lack of towels and stated that she had reported it to the Administrator, but no action had been taken to resolve the issue. Residents involved had significant medical histories, including conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, and cognitive impairment, necessitating assistance with ADLs. Despite being well-groomed at the time of observation, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the inconsistency of their bathing schedules and the lack of communication regarding missed showers. Grievance records for April and May also reflected complaints about not being provided with showers.