Failure to Provide Required Number of Weekly Baths to Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two dependent residents received the required number of baths per week, as specified in their care plans. One resident, who had a history of stroke with one-sided weakness and aphasia, was care planned to receive showers twice weekly but preferred bed baths. Review of bathing records showed significant gaps between bed baths, with intervals of 7 to 10 days between each, rather than the expected twice-weekly schedule. The resident confirmed a preference for bed baths and indicated they did not receive them twice a week. Another resident with dementia, who required partial to moderate assistance for personal hygiene, also did not receive showers according to the required schedule. Bathing records indicated an 8-day gap between showers. Staff interviews revealed that when the designated shower aide was absent or reassigned to other duties, there was uncertainty among staff about how to make up missed showers. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that shower aides were sometimes pulled to the floor and that floor staff were expected to assist with missed showers, but this did not consistently occur.