Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Feeding Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) failed to treat a resident with dignity during a meal. The resident, who had diagnoses including unstable angina, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes, required one-on-one assistance during meals. During an observation, the CNA was seen standing over the resident while assisting with feeding, despite the resident expressing a preference for the CNA to be seated. The CNA acknowledged that the correct procedure was to be seated facing the resident during feeding. Further interviews with facility leadership confirmed that the expectation and facility policy required CNAs to be seated at eye level with residents during feeding to promote dignity and ensure safe feeding practices. Review of the facility's feeding techniques document also specified that staff should never stand above or lean over residents while feeding them. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the CNA did not follow the facility's established procedure in this instance.