Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain personal dignity for five residents, as evidenced by observations and interviews. Resident R1, with moderately impaired cognition, was found with her gown untied and partially exposing her chest, causing her discomfort and distress. She expressed her inability to tie the gown due to limited range of motion, and staff left it untied for easier access to her sling. Similarly, Resident R2 was observed with her gown untied, exposing her back and brief, and she expressed a desire for her gown to be tied, which she could not do herself. Resident R3 was found with her gown untied and brief exposed, while Resident R4 had his gown above his waist, exposing his brief, with personal care items left on a table beside his bed. Resident R5, with intact cognition, was observed with his undergarment pulled down and brief exposed, waiting for over an hour for assistance to pull up his undergarments and be transferred to his wheelchair. An employee acknowledged the delay, citing a lack of available staff for the required two-person assist. All residents had their doors and privacy curtains open, compromising their privacy and dignity. These observations and interviews indicate a failure to uphold the facility's policy on resident dignity, which mandates respect for residents' private space and bodily privacy during care.
Plan Of Correction
This provider submits the following plan of correction in good faith and to comply with Federal Law. This plan is not an admission of wrongdoing nor does it reflect agreement with the facts and conclusions stated in the statement of deficiencies. It is the practice of the facility to maintain personal dignity for all residents. 1. R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 were immediately provided privacy. 2. Resident care areas were checked to ensure privacy and were in compliance. 3. Education was completed with nursing staff to maintain and protect resident privacy, including bodily privacy. Unit managers will routinely check resident care areas to ensure nursing staff are maintaining and protecting their privacy. 4. The Director of Nursing or designee will complete an audit once a week for one month to ensure residents are receiving privacy, including bodily privacy. Results of audits will be reviewed at the facility QAPI meeting.