Failure to Promote Dignity During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide meal assistance in a manner that promoted dignity and respect for two residents with severe cognitive impairment and high dependence on staff for eating. In both cases, staff members were observed standing over the residents, who were seated in bed, while assisting them with meals. The staff acknowledged during interviews that facility policy required them to sit beside or at eye level with residents during meal assistance to ensure dignity, but they did not do so because no chairs were available at the time. Medical record reviews confirmed that both residents required substantial or maximal assistance with eating due to severe cognitive impairment. The Director of Staff Development also confirmed the facility's policy of sitting beside or at eye level with residents during meal assistance. The failure to follow this policy was directly observed and acknowledged by the staff involved.