Failure to Honor Resident's Bathing Preference
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to honor a resident's expressed preference for showers over bed baths. The resident, who was admitted following a left leg below-the-knee amputation and required assistance with activities of daily living, was documented as being able to make reasonable and consistent decisions. The Minimum Data Set indicated that it was very important for the resident to choose between a bed bath or a shower. However, documentation showed that during a specified period, the resident received only two showers, refused a bath six times, and had fifteen shifts with no documentation of bathing care provided. The resident reported that, despite requesting showers, he was often given bed baths instead, and sometimes refused care when staff insisted on a bed bath. After a COVID-19 diagnosis, the resident refused a shower due to not feeling well, but also stated that his requests for showers were not accommodated during his recovery. Interviews with staff confirmed that the resident was particular about his care, especially regarding showers, and that residents should be able to make decisions about their care. Facility leadership acknowledged the importance of honoring resident preferences to ensure comfort and satisfaction. The facility's policy on dignity and quality of life emphasized providing care in a manner that respects resident rights and preferences, but this was not consistently followed in the resident's case.