Failure to Provide Scheduled Bathing for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who was dependent on staff for bathing due to medical conditions including dysphagia following cerebral infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and essential hypertension, did not receive scheduled bathing as required. The resident reported experiencing a rash and itching, and stated that staff did not bathe or shower them regularly. Review of the facility's bathing schedule and medical records showed that the resident was assigned to receive showers or bed baths twice weekly, specifically on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, but these were not consistently provided as scheduled. A Certified Nurse Assistant confirmed the bathing schedule and that documentation was maintained in the medical record. The Director of Nursing also verified that the resident's scheduled showers were not provided as required. Facility policy stated that residents should be offered at least two full baths or showers per week, but this was not adhered to in the resident's case, as evidenced by gaps in the bathing documentation and the resident's own account of infrequent bathing.