Residents Participated in Activities Wearing Hospital Gowns, Compromising Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents in the memory care unit were dressed in a manner that promoted dignity, as evidenced by three residents being observed wearing hospital gowns while participating in group activities. These residents, all with moderate to severe cognitive impairment and requiring significant assistance with dressing, were assisted by staff into hospital gowns after their evening meal as part of their evening care routine. Staff reported that it was common practice to change some residents into hospital gowns after dinner for convenience, and then return them to the common area for activities before bedtime. During observations, multiple residents were seen in hospital gowns in the activity area and at the dining room table, with some having blankets over their laps and sweaters on their upper bodies as per staff expectations. One resident was able to express a preference for wearing normal clothes during activities, while the other two were unable to verbalize their preferences due to cognitive impairment. Staff interviews confirmed that this practice was routine and primarily done for staff convenience, with some staff acknowledging that a reasonable person would not participate in activities wearing a hospital gown. The facility's policy on resident rights emphasizes the importance of dignity and respect, including the right to retain personal clothing and to have reasonable accommodation of preferences. The DON confirmed that residents in other areas of the facility do not participate in activities wearing hospital gowns and that families had not been consulted regarding the preferences of residents who could not express their wishes. A family member of one resident also stated that the resident would not have wanted to wear a hospital gown during activities.