Staff Failed to Maintain Dignity During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain respect and dignity for two residents during meal assistance. In the first instance, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was observed standing while feeding a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, dysphagia, and adult failure to thrive. The resident was sitting up in bed, and the privacy curtain was not drawn. The CNA admitted to preferring to stand to see the resident's face and acknowledged that the resident had requested the CNA to sit, but the CNA refused, citing a lack of available chairs. The CNA then sat on the resident's bed to continue feeding, which was also not in accordance with facility expectations. The Director of Staff Development (DSD) confirmed that staff should be seated in front of residents during meal assistance and should not sit on residents' beds. In the second instance, a restorative nurse assistant (RNA) was observed standing at the bedside while feeding another resident who was sitting on the bed. This resident had a cognitive communication deficit and dysphagia but was cognitively intact. The RNA stated it was acceptable to stand while feeding, but both the DSD and the Director of Nursing (DON) later confirmed that staff are required to sit while feeding residents. The facility's policy on dignity, revised in 2021, specifies that residents are to be treated with dignity and respect at all times, including being provided with a dignified dining experience.