Failure to Provide Adequate Nail Care and Hygiene Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate assistance with activities of daily living, specifically nail care and shaving, for three residents who were unable to perform these tasks independently. Observations and interviews revealed that one resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis had long fingernails with debris underneath and expressed a desire to have her nails trimmed. A CNA confirmed that nail care was scheduled weekly and acknowledged the risk of fungus and bacteria from long nails. Another resident, dependent on staff for personal hygiene due to muscle weakness and lymphedema, had long fingernails with black debris and requested staff assistance to clean under his nails. A licensed nurse also confirmed the need for nail cleaning for hygiene purposes. A third resident with Parkinsonism, requiring substantial assistance with personal hygiene, was observed with long fingernails and black debris under the nails. Both the resident and a treatment nurse confirmed the need for nail trimming and cleaning for infection control. The Director of Nursing stated that residents' fingernails should be kept short and clean to prevent skin tears and infections. Review of the facility's policy indicated that nail care should include daily cleaning and regular trimming, which was not consistently provided to these residents.