Failure to Provide Shower Upon Resident Request, Resulting in Loss of Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A male resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including a history of cerebral hemorrhage, COPD, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, dementia, and moderate cognitive impairment, was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including showers and incontinence care. On the day of the survey, the resident was observed sitting in his wheelchair with a strong urine odor present near him and his bed. He reported to surveyors that he had not been given a shower that day despite requesting one, and that he had urine on his bed and clothing. The resident stated that staff told him it was not his scheduled shower day and that he should have taken a shower on his assigned day. He expressed feeling dirty, neglected, and unable to go to the dining room due to his condition. Record review showed the resident was scheduled for showers three times per week, and had received showers on the previous three scheduled days. However, facility policy and the Director of Nursing confirmed that residents requesting showers outside of their scheduled days should have their requests accommodated. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the resident should have been provided a shower when requested, especially given the presence of odor, and that it was unacceptable for the resident to be left in dirty clothing. The facility's policy emphasized the right of residents to be treated with respect and dignity, which was not upheld in this instance.