Failure to Promote Resident Dignity in Dining
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promote dignity in dining for a resident, identified as #51, who was part of a sample of 59 residents reviewed for dignity. The deficiency was observed when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) referred to the resident as a "feeder," a term used to describe residents who require assistance with eating. This term was used during a conversation with a surveyor and was also noted in the resident's care plan, known as the Kardex. The CNA questioned whether this terminology was appropriate, indicating a lack of awareness about its impact on resident dignity. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that referring to residents as "feeders" is a dignity issue and confirmed that CNAs should not use such terms. Despite having passed the required competencies for her job, which included maintaining and enhancing a patient's self-worth, the CNA used language that did not align with the facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity. The facility's policy, revised recently, emphasizes the intent to protect and promote resident rights and to treat each resident with respect and dignity.
Plan Of Correction
Preparation and/or execution of this plan does not constitute admission or agreement by the provider of the truth of the facts alleged or conclusions set forth on the statement of deficiencies. This plan of correction is prepared and/or executed solely because it is required. (a) Immediate action(s) taken for the resident(s) found to have been affected include: CNA H was counseled regarding the inappropriate and provided immediate re-education on maintaining resident dignity and respectful communication. (b) Identification of other residents having the potential to be affected was accomplished by: All Residents who require assistance during meals have the potential to be affected. Residents with a score of 12 and over were interviewed by the Social Services Staff and Administrator to determine if they have experienced or witnessed any undignified language or treatment. (c) Actions taken/systems put into place to reduce the risk of future occurrence include: Starting on all staff will receive mandatory training on resident rights, dignity, and person-centered communication, with a focus on respectful language. All staff will be in-service by Any staff not in serviced by this date will be in serviced prior to their next scheduled shift. We have no Agency staff currently. All newly hired staff will be in-service by the ADON during their orientation. (d) How the corrective action(s) will be monitored to ensure the practice will not recur: The Director of Nursing (DON) or designee will conduct 5 meal service audits weekly for 1 month, then 10 monthly for at least two additional months, to ensure staff are promoting dignity. Findings from audits will be reviewed in the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance improvement meetings, and corrective actions will be taken as needed. Compliance monitoring will continue until sustained improvement is demonstrated, as determined by QAPI oversight. (e) Date of compliance