Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Timely Response to Care Needs
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to treat two residents with respect and dignity, as evidenced by multiple incidents. One resident reported that staff often took up to forty minutes to respond to call lights, with some staff stating they were not assigned to the room and passing by without assisting. The same resident also reported that privacy was not maintained after bathing, as privacy curtains were left open, leaving the resident exposed. Additionally, staff did not consistently wash their hands before feeding the resident, requiring reminders, and would speak in their native language during care, making the resident feel uncomfortable and excluded. Another resident was left in a soiled incontinent brief for over forty minutes despite a family member's request for assistance. The family member notified a nurse at the nurse's station, who instructed her to activate the call light because she was not assigned to that area. The resident was only assisted after forty-five minutes by a CNA. Interviews with staff and review of facility policy confirmed that all staff are required to respond promptly to call lights and assist residents regardless of assignment, and that the nurse should have helped the resident when requested.