F0561

E

Failure to Honor Resident Choice in Shower Scheduling

Sunnyside, Washington Survey Completed on 03-09-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The facility failed to honor residents' rights to self-determination and choice regarding shower times when it changed the shower schedule and eliminated the dedicated shower aide. The facility's Resident Rights policy from 02/2021 stated that residents had the right to a dignified existence and self-determination. Despite this, when the Director of Nursing Services and the Administrator implemented a change effective 03/01/2026, requiring NAs to perform showers on their own residents and splitting showers between day and evening shifts due to budget cuts and staffing changes, residents were not consulted or given a choice between day and evening showers. The Director of Nursing Services acknowledged that residents were not given a choice and stated they assumed residents would not want evening showers and that the workload needed to be split between shifts. The Administrator also stated residents should have been given a choice and was not aware that they had not been consulted.

Resident 1, admitted with a right knee dislocation, anxiety, and a need for assistance with personal care, had a comprehensive assessment dated 01/06/2026 showing independence with ADLs, moderately impaired cognition, and that it was very important for them to make choices about customary routines and activities. Resident 1 reported they were not informed of the shower schedule change, were assigned to evening showers, and preferred daytime showers, stating they wished staff had asked their preference. Resident 2, admitted with left-sided weakness/paralysis after a stroke, lung disease, and high blood pressure, was dependent on one to two staff for ADLs, had moderately impaired cognition, and also had an assessment indicating it was very important to make choices about routines and activities. Resident 2’s representative reported staff woke the resident early for showers, which the resident disliked, and that the resident preferred to sleep in and shower in the afternoon; a NA confirmed they had always completed this resident’s shower first, before breakfast. Resident 3, admitted with diabetes, paraplegia, and depression, required substantial assistance for showers, was cognitively intact, and had an assessment indicating the importance of making choices about routines and activities. Resident 3 stated they were told the shower aide would no longer provide showers and that they were not given a choice of day or evening showers.