Failure to Provide Adequate Bathing and ADL Care to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide adequate bathing and activities of daily living (ADL) care to a dependent resident with significant medical needs, including nephrostomy tubes, chronic heart failure, and an artificial heart valve. The resident was admitted with an order for oxygen and had a severely weakened heart muscle. Review of ADL records showed that the resident received only three bed baths during a 43-day stay, with only two documented refusals for bathing. No other baths or showers were provided during this period, despite the resident's condition requiring frequent hygiene care due to the presence of nephrostomy tubes, which are known to leak and necessitate regular cleaning. Interviews with staff indicated that the standard practice was to provide showers or tub baths twice weekly and daily bed baths as needed. However, this standard was not met for the resident in question. Other residents reviewed during the survey were found to have received adequate hygiene care, and no issues were reported by other residents or family members. The deficiency was communicated to the Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing, who did not provide additional information.