Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Provide Proper Mealtime Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease, end stage renal disease, and monoplegia of the upper limb was observed during mealtime requiring partial to moderate assistance with eating, as documented in her assessment. Despite this, the resident was left to eat independently, resulting in food being spread over her chest, lap, and soiling her pillow and cellphone. The lunch tray was not positioned within easy reach, and the resident was using both a spoon and her hands to eat. Additionally, her fingernails were observed to be long and dirty, with black matter present, and no clothing protector was provided to prevent soiling. Staff interviews revealed that the CNA was responsible for nail care and tray setup, but the assigned CNA denied setting up the tray and confirmed that it should have been placed closer to the resident. The DON acknowledged that CNAs are expected to ensure proper tray placement and that a food protector was not used for this resident. Facility policies reviewed emphasized the importance of maintaining resident dignity, proper assistance during meals, and preventing soiling of clothing, but these were not followed in this instance.