Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Mealtime Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A resident with hemiplegia and visual loss, who required partial to extensive assistance with eating, was observed being fed by a CNA in the main dining room. During the meal, the CNA told the resident that she had to feed him 'like a baby.' The Director of Nursing confirmed that such language is inappropriate and diminishes resident dignity, stating that staff should instead offer assistance respectfully. The CNA later acknowledged that she should not have made the comment and was aware of the expectation to address residents by their names or appropriate titles. The resident, who was alert and oriented, reported that staff sometimes refer to him as a baby, which he dislikes and feels undermines his sense of dignity and manhood. Facility documentation on resident rights states that residents must be treated with dignity and respect, and care should promote their quality of life.