Failure to Provide Oral Hygiene Assistance to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living, specifically oral care, to a resident who was unable to perform these tasks independently. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, was assessed as cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for transfers and daily decision-making. Despite these needs, the resident did not receive regular oral hygiene care as required. Observations revealed the resident had visible signs of poor oral hygiene, including drooling, dried and cracked lips, a yellow patch on the tongue, and yellowish teeth. The resident reported not receiving daily oral care since admission. A CNA confirmed that oral care was not provided regularly, and the DON acknowledged that daily oral hygiene is necessary to prevent oral health problems. Facility policy also required staff to assist residents with oral hygiene, but this was not followed for the resident in question.