Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care and Dining
Penalty
Summary
Multiple residents were not treated with dignity and respect by staff, as evidenced by direct resident interviews and observations. One cognitively intact resident reported that a CNA was consistently rude, accused her of lying, and failed to provide a clean gown after a colostomy bag incident, resulting in the resident sleeping without clothes. The same resident also reported that her food was discarded without being asked if she was finished. Another cognitively intact resident described staff as rude and unhelpful, becoming visibly upset during the interview. An anonymous resident, also alert and oriented, reported that CNAs were moody, arrogant, and disrespectful on both shifts, but declined to name staff due to fear of retaliation. The Social Service Director confirmed that such behavior did not reflect dignified treatment. A resident's financial matters were discussed in public areas, compromising privacy and dignity. The Business Office Manager delivered cash and discussed social security payments with a resident in the dining room, in the presence of other residents and staff. The resident requested documentation and privacy, but the Business Office Manager responded loudly and dismissively, refusing to move the conversation to a private setting. Another resident confirmed overhearing the loud financial discussion, stating it should have been conducted privately. The Business Office Manager admitted that forms were signed in the dining room, not in a private area. During meal observations, residents with cognitive impairments were not supported in a manner that preserved their dignity. One resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and a history of eating with her hands, was physically stopped by a CNA from eating with her hands, causing her to yell out. The CNA then attempted to encourage utensil use, despite the resident's established preference. In another instance, a resident with severe cognitive impairment ate from the plates of two other residents before being served her own meal. One of the affected residents appeared agitated and was provided a new meal, while the other was not. Staff acknowledged that such incidents occurred and that they typically provided a new tray when food was taken from another resident's plate.