Deficiencies in Dignified Care and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide eating assistance in a dignified manner for a resident with severe cognitive impairment who required substantial assistance with feeding. The hospice aide assisting the resident was observed standing while feeding, rather than being at the resident's eye level, which is considered undignified. The hospice aide admitted to standing during feeding based on her comfort and confirmed that she had not received any education from the facility staff or hospice nurse regarding proper feeding assistance and maintaining resident dignity. The facility lacked a specific policy related to assistance with feeding and activities of daily living. Additionally, the facility failed to ensure privacy during personal care for another resident with severe cognitive impairment who required maximal assistance for bathing and dressing. During an observation, the resident was uncovered, exposing his adult brief and lower extremities, without privacy curtains or window blinds drawn. The staff member providing care was unaware of when the privacy curtains were removed, and the Director of Environmental Services confirmed that the privacy curtain had been ordered but not yet replaced. The lack of privacy was acknowledged by the staff, who confirmed the importance of providing privacy during care.