Failure to Provide Consistent Bathing Assistance to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide consistent bathing services to two residents who required assistance with activities of daily living, specifically bathing. One resident with diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, hypertension, anxiety, and depression, and who had intact cognition but required supervision with bathing, did not receive a bath or shower for multiple extended periods as documented in the facility's records. Although some refusals were recorded in the electronic medical record, there were numerous days with no documentation of bathing or refusal, and observations noted the resident with uncombed hair and unresponsiveness to questions. Another resident, diagnosed with a displaced femur fracture, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and diabetes, and who required partial to substantial staff assistance for bathing, also experienced significant gaps in receiving showers. Facility records showed long intervals without showers, with only a few refusals documented. Observations found this resident with greasy, uncombed hair, unshaven, and wearing soiled socks, and the resident was unable to recall if staff offered different bathing choices. Interviews with staff indicated that when residents refused bathing, alternative days or times were offered, and refusals were documented and reported to nursing staff. The facility's policy required staff to observe residents' skin condition, notify supervisors of refusals, and report according to policy and professional standards. Despite these procedures, the documentation and observations revealed that the facility did not consistently ensure that residents received the necessary assistance with bathing, as required by their care plans and facility policy.