Failure to Provide Showers per Resident Preference and Schedule
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that bathing was performed according to residents' preferences and care plans for three out of four sampled residents. Documentation showed that showers were not consistently offered or provided as scheduled, and there was no evidence that alternative bathing times were offered, accepted, or refused in several instances. Residents reported receiving fewer showers than scheduled, with one resident stating they only received a shower every two weeks and would prefer more frequent bathing if staffing allowed. Another resident, who required assistance from two staff members, reported only receiving one shower per week instead of the scheduled two. A third resident, who preferred three showers per week due to frequent diarrhea and requested a female caregiver, did not receive showers according to their stated preference and reported not having a shower for a week. Staff interviews revealed that showers were often missed due to inadequate staffing, particularly during night shifts when only two CNAs were available, making it difficult to provide both necessary care and showers. Staff indicated that on some days, they could only provide one shower due to prioritizing call lights over bathing. The DON confirmed that showers were expected to be provided on scheduled days and rescheduled if missed, but acknowledged that staff preferences and shortages sometimes led to missed showers. Review of facility policy indicated that showers should be provided per resident request or facility schedule, based on resident safety.