Failure to Provide Consistent Bathing Assistance
Summary
The facility failed to ensure dependent residents received necessary ADL bathing care. R47 had diagnoses including quadriplegia and central cord syndrome, was cognitively intact, used a wheelchair, and was dependent on staff for showering and bathing. His care plan directed staff to assist with bathing and allow him time to answer questions and express preferences, but it did not include direction on his preferred bathing day or time. The EMR showed scheduled bathing times on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, yet the documentation included multiple refusals, several entries marked NA, and no shower or bath given in April 2026. On observation, R47 was found in bed with a dirty appearance to his hair and beard, and later a CNA gathered bathing supplies and stated she was going to give him a bath because he agreed that morning. R6 had diagnoses including hemiparesis/hemiplegia after intracerebral hemorrhage, vascular dementia, contractures, cognitive communication deficit, and Parkinson’s disease. His MDS showed severely impaired cognition, and he was dependent for all self-care and mobility except eating. His care plan noted that he sometimes refused baths or showers and that staff should provide clear, concise instructions and offer choices in his daily routine. The EMR listed preferred bathing days as Wednesday and Saturday evenings, but the bathing documentation showed only two showers in the record reviewed, with the last scanned bath sheet dated 12/10/25. When observed, R6 was sitting in his Broda chair with gray whiskers, matted hair, and brown substances under his fingernails. R77 had diagnoses including respiratory failure, CHF, sleep apnea, cognitive communication deficit, and pneumonia. Her MDS showed intact cognition, with impairment of the extremities on one side of the upper body and both lower extremities, and she was dependent for oral hygiene and needed substantial to maximal assistance with bathing and toileting. Her care plan directed staff to wash, rinse, and dry the perineum after incontinence episodes and to assist with bathing and shower transfers. The EMR listed preferred shower days as Monday and Wednesday mornings, but the bathing record showed sponge baths and only one shower in the period reviewed, with one bath sheet documented. On observation, R77 had brown substance under her fingernails, and she stated she had not had a scheduled shower day, had not had a shower since coming to the facility, and wanted a shower. Staff interviews reflected uncertainty about the bathing schedule and concerns about bathing coverage, while administration stated the expected process was for the CNA to give the shower and document it, and that NA should not be used for shower or bath documentation.
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