Failure to Provide Showers per Resident Preferences Due to Staffing Shortages
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received showers according to their preferred schedules, as documented in their care plans. Three residents with severe cognitive impairment and dependent on staff for bathing did not receive showers on multiple scheduled days. Medical records and care plans indicated that these residents were to receive showers twice a week, with specific days assigned for each individual. Shower records revealed that the scheduled showers were missed on several occasions for each resident. Interviews with CNAs, LPNs, and RNs confirmed that showers were not completed when there were staffing challenges. Staff reported that, during periods of inadequate staffing, priority was given to other essential care tasks such as turning, changing, and assisting residents with eating, resulting in showers being omitted. The Acting DON confirmed that residents' shower preferences were obtained on admission and that the missed showers were accurately reflected in the records. Family members of one resident expressed concern about the resident's hygiene, noting a decline in cleanliness and the importance of showering to the resident. The deficiency was identified during an investigation under specific complaint numbers.