Failure to Honor Resident Bathing Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor and facilitate resident choices and preferences regarding showering and bathing for two residents reviewed for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Facility policy required that residents be offered at least two full baths or showers per week, with their preferences for type and frequency of bathing to be considered and honored. However, documentation and interviews revealed that these preferences were not consistently followed. One resident with moderate cognitive impairment had a care plan indicating a preference for showers twice a week. Review of ADL records showed that this resident received a combination of bed baths and tub baths, and did not receive showers as preferred, with at least one week where no shower was provided and no refusal was documented. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident's preference for twice-weekly showers was not met, often due to staffing issues and the absence of a regular shower aide. Another resident with intact cognition also had a care plan specifying a preference for bathing twice a week. ADL records indicated that this resident did not receive a bath or shower during a specific week and only had one tub bath the following week, with no refusals documented. Staff interviews corroborated that the resident's bathing preferences were not honored as outlined in their care plan, and that changes in management and staff assignments contributed to the inconsistency in providing preferred bathing routines.