Failure to Accommodate Resident Bathing Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the bathing preferences of two residents, resulting in unmet care needs. For one resident, documentation showed a clear preference for morning showers twice a week, as indicated in both a "Shower Preference Questionnaire" and through staff interviews. However, the resident's care plan did not reflect these preferences, and the electronic health record (EHR) scheduled showers only once a week in the evening, contrary to the resident's stated wishes. Staff confirmed that the resident's preferences were not being honored at the time of review. Another resident expressed a preference for bed baths twice a week in the evening, which was documented in the care plan and confirmed during interviews. Despite this, the EHR showed the resident was scheduled for showers or baths on specific evenings, and records indicated the resident did not receive the preferred bed baths during a specified period. Staff acknowledged that the resident's preferences were not honored and that refusals, if any, were not documented. These failures were in direct conflict with the facility's policy to honor resident choices and preferences regarding activities of daily living.