F0557

D

Incomplete Haircut Left Resident With Uneven Appearance

Paramount, California Survey Completed on 03-23-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The facility failed to ensure a resident’s right to dignity and proper grooming when the contracted beautician did not complete a haircut and left the resident with uneven hair. The resident, who had diagnoses including unspecified hypotension, anemia, and schizoaffective disorder, had severely impaired cognition per an MDS dated 3/7/2026 and was dependent on staff for ADLs. On 2/16/2026, the beautician attempted to cut the resident’s hair but, according to her written statement and later interview, stopped after cutting only one side because the resident was moving too much and did not allow her to continue. She did not request assistance from nursing staff, did not notify staff that the haircut was incomplete, and left the facility without completing the service, resulting in the resident having short hair on the right side and significantly longer hair on the left side.

On 3/6/2026, a CNA noticed the resident’s hair was short and uneven and notified nursing staff. An SBAR and change of condition documentation were completed, noting the discovery of the short, uneven hair on the right side of the resident’s head and the resident’s inability to clearly report when the haircut occurred. RN and LVN staff who assessed the resident confirmed the hair was uneven, with the right side much shorter than the left, and stated that it is important for residents to look their best as a matter of dignity. The Social Services Director reported that the beautician acknowledged she had been unable to complete the haircut on 2/16/2026 and had not charged for the service because it was not completed. The facility’s dignity policy stated that each resident shall be cared for in a manner that promotes well-being, self-worth, and self-esteem, and that residents are to be treated with dignity at all times.