Staff Member Commits Physical and Verbal Abuse Against Resident
Penalty
Summary
A staff member physically and verbally abused a resident with moderately impaired cognition while the resident was seated in the dayroom with his left leg elevated in a recliner. The staff member moved the resident's wheelchair in an aggressive manner, striking the resident's left leg with the wheelchair, which resulted in a dime-sized reddened area. The staff member then yelled at the resident as she left the dayroom, causing the resident to become notably upset. The incident was witnessed by another staff member, and the resident was assessed for injuries immediately after the event. The resident's assessment showed a red mark on his left leg, but no open area or need for medical treatment. The resident's cognitive status was documented as moderately impaired, with a BIMS score of 9. The staff member involved had previously received education on the facility's abuse policy. The facility's investigation, including video review and interviews with staff and residents, substantiated the allegations of both physical and verbal abuse by the staff member toward the resident.