Failure to Provide Correct Size Incontinence Briefs Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide care in a manner that maintained or enhanced the dignity and respect of a resident who required maximal assistance with toileting hygiene and was always incontinent of bladder and bowel. The resident, who had diagnoses including morbid obesity and muscle weakness, reported that the facility often ran out of the correct size incontinence brief, resulting in the use of a smaller size that caused leakage. This situation led the resident to feel embarrassed and to request a bath each time leakage occurred. Staff interviews confirmed that residents were measured for brief size and that there were occasions when the correct size was unavailable, leading to the use of briefs from other residents' supplies, which might not fit properly. The Central Supplies Clerk acknowledged that the facility was running out of the 3x-size briefs, and the Administrator was aware that the resident was receiving a smaller brief than needed. The care plan for the resident included regular checks and provision of incontinence care, but the lack of appropriate supplies resulted in a failure to uphold the resident's dignity.