Failure to Provide Adequate Assistance with Personal Hygiene for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident with chronic respiratory failure, tracheostomy status, ventilator dependence, quadriplegia, and COPD was identified as being severely cognitively impaired and fully dependent on staff for all activities of daily living (ADLs). The resident's care plan required total assistance for ADLs, including personal hygiene. According to the facility's shower schedule and documentation, the resident received showers as scheduled. However, during observations, the resident was noted to have significant facial hair growth on the upper lip and chin, with hair measuring one to two inches in length and extending beyond the lip line and nearly touching the tracheostomy dressing. Staff interviews confirmed that although the resident was showered, facial hair was not shaved because staff were reluctant to use the facility's razors on the resident's face. The facility's policy required that residents unable to perform ADLs independently receive necessary services to maintain grooming and personal hygiene. Despite this, the resident did not receive adequate assistance with shaving, resulting in a failure to meet the facility's own standards for ADL care and personal hygiene.