Failure to Provide Adequate ADL Assistance and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents who required assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) received appropriate care and supervision, and did not provide staff with the necessary supplies to deliver timely ADL care. Three residents were affected by these deficiencies. One resident with dementia, chronic pain, and mobility issues reported that her family had to purchase bath towels and washcloths because the facility did not have enough linens to provide showers or baths when requested. Another resident with hemiplegia and heart failure also reported that his family had to supply towels and washcloths due to the facility's shortage, which resulted in missed showers or baths. Observations of the facility's linen storage rooms on multiple occasions revealed insufficient quantities of towels and washcloths, and both housekeeping and laundry staff confirmed that there were not enough linens to meet residents' needs in a timely manner. Resident council minutes also documented complaints about the lack of washcloths and towels, particularly on weekends. Additionally, a resident with severe cognitive impairment and a history of dementia and schizoaffective disorder was observed attempting to eat a foil lid from a juice container while in bed with a meal tray. Staff interviews confirmed that this resident required assistance with eating and that the foil lid should have been removed due to the resident's cognitive status. Despite staff education on this issue, further observation showed that the resident continued to receive meal trays with the foil lid attached. These findings demonstrate a failure to provide adequate assistance and supervision for ADLs, as well as a lack of necessary supplies to ensure timely and safe care.