Failure to Secure Hazardous Items and Provide Supervision During Resident Grooming
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with multiple diagnoses, including dementia, mood disorder, and dependence on a wheelchair, was found to have two disposable razors stored in plastic cups on their overbed table. The resident's medical records indicated significant cognitive and functional impairments, with documentation showing a self-care deficit and dependence on staff for personal hygiene tasks. Despite this, the resident reported shaving independently and keeping razors at the bedside, which was not in accordance with facility policy or the care plan that required staff assistance and supervision for grooming activities. Interviews with facility staff, including the Regional Nurse Consultant, DON, and Restorative Nurse, revealed that there was no documented assessment for the resident's ability to safely use razors. Staff confirmed that razors should be stored securely and only provided to residents under supervision, with immediate disposal after use. The lack of a shaving assessment and the presence of razors at the bedside represented a failure to ensure hazardous items were stored securely and that adequate supervision was provided to prevent accidents, as required by facility policy and resident care plans.