Failure to Maintain Dignity During Feeding
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff were feeding residents from a seated position during dining service, which affected four residents. Observations revealed that staff members, including CNAs and the Director of Nursing, were feeding residents while standing, contrary to the facility's policy that requires staff to be seated to maintain the residents' dignity. This practice was observed during lunch service, where staff were seen standing over residents in wheelchairs while feeding them, which is considered authoritative and not respectful of the residents' rights to dignity. The residents involved had various medical conditions that required assistance with eating. For instance, one resident had severe cognitive impairment and required partial to moderate assistance with meals, while another had moderate cognitive impairment and required extensive assistance. Another resident was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for feeding, and the last resident had severe cognitive impairment and required substantial assistance. Despite these needs, staff did not adhere to the policy of sitting while feeding, which is intended to promote dignity and respect. The facility's policy on feeding clearly states that staff should sit beside the resident to feed them, ensuring a respectful and dignified interaction. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the importance of this practice and admitted to standing while feeding a resident, which was against the facility's guidelines. The failure to follow this policy was observed and documented, highlighting a deficiency in maintaining the residents' rights to dignity and respect during meal times.