Failure to Provide Timely Bathing Assistance to Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate assistance with bathing for three residents who were fully dependent on staff for activities of daily living. Record reviews showed that one resident with dementia and generalized muscle weakness did not receive a bath for two separate 10-day periods. Another resident with a Stage 2 pressure ulcer and upper extremity impairment experienced gaps of 10 and 11 days between baths. A third resident, diagnosed with dementia, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, and a Stage 4 pressure ulcer, went 10 days without a bath, despite being dependent on staff for bathing and requiring substantial assistance for transfers. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and Regional Nurse Consultant confirmed these lapses in care, as documented in the residents' records. The documentation indicated that the residents were not provided with the necessary assistance for bathing at the frequency required, and refusals were only documented in one instance. The findings were based on a review of admission records, Minimum Data Set assessments, and bathing documentation forms.