Failure to Provide Oral Hygiene Care for Edentulous Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident who was dependent on staff for oral hygiene received the necessary services to maintain good oral hygiene. The resident, who was edentulous and did not use dentures, was cognitively intact and able to communicate his needs. His care plan addressed an ADL self-care deficit and oral/dental health problems related to being edentulous, but did not specifically outline interventions for the provision of oral hygiene care. During interviews, the resident reported not receiving assistance with oral hygiene and stated he would have liked to be provided with mouthwash and a mouth swab, which he could use with set-up help from staff. He also confirmed that staff had not offered these supplies to him. A CNA interviewed was unaware that the resident was edentulous and initially believed he had some natural teeth. Upon checking, the CNA confirmed the resident had no teeth or dentures and found no oral hygiene supplies in the resident's room. The CNA then provided the resident with mouth swabs and mouthwash, acknowledging that oral hygiene care should be part of morning care. Review of the facility's oral hygiene policy revealed it only addressed care for residents with natural teeth or dentures and did not include guidance for edentulous residents. This lack of specific interventions and supplies resulted in the resident not receiving appropriate oral hygiene care.