Failure to Provide Scheduled Showers and Bed Baths to Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents who were dependent on staff for care received showers or bed baths as scheduled. Three residents with significant physical and/or cognitive impairments were affected. Documentation showed that scheduled bathing opportunities were frequently missed, with one resident receiving only two of eight scheduled bed baths in a month, another missing multiple scheduled showers, and a third receiving only three of eight scheduled showers. Observations revealed poor hygiene, such as long fingernails with dirt, dry skin, unkempt hair, and visible food on clothing and face. Interviews with residents and their family members confirmed that scheduled showers and bed baths were not consistently provided, with some residents going weeks without proper bathing. Family members reported having to provide care themselves during visits due to staff not fulfilling these duties. These concerns were repeatedly brought to the attention of facility leadership, including the Administrator and DON, but no resolution was achieved. Review of Resident Council meeting minutes indicated that concerns about missed showers were voiced by residents. The facility's own policy required that residents be provided showers as per request or facility schedule, but this was not followed. The DON confirmed the missed showers and acknowledged that the issue had been reported to leadership, but no evidence of staff education or corrective action was provided.