Failure to Provide Scheduled Baths or Showers Due to Facility Water Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide scheduled baths or showers to three residents who required assistance with bathing, as evidenced by documentation and interviews. One resident with end stage renal disease, diabetes, and other conditions did not receive weekly baths or showers on multiple occasions, as shown in the electronic medical record. This resident was cognitively intact and required substantial to maximum assistance for bathing. The resident reported that there was no hot water and no showers available. Another resident with a history of fractures, dialysis dependence, and anxiety also did not receive weekly baths or showers as scheduled, with documentation showing missed bathing dates and substitution of bed baths due to lack of hot water. Staff interviews confirmed that some rooms lacked hot water, requiring alternative bathing methods such as basin baths or using water from other sources. The DON was unable to confirm whether showers or baths had occurred as scheduled for this resident. A third resident, admitted after fractures and requiring maximum assistance with bathing, reported feeling dirty and having received only one bed bath since admission, with no hair washing. Documentation confirmed the absence of showers or bed baths for this resident during the review period. Staff interviews revealed that the resident had not been offered a bath or shower, and that cold water in the shower room led most residents to choose bed baths, though this resident had not been offered one. The DON stated there was no reason for the missed baths or showers and expected staff to follow the bathing schedule and resident preferences.