Resident Denied Right to Self-Determination Regarding Daily Routine
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively intact resident, as evidenced by a BIMS score of 15/15, was observed in emotional distress and crying in the dining room, expressing that she did not want to be out of bed and felt as though she was being punished. The resident reported pain, discomfort from the light, and stated that her repeated requests to return to bed were ignored by staff, who would say they would get help but did not return. The facility's policy affirms residents' rights to self-determination, including choices about daily routines and care. Interviews with staff revealed that a CNA acknowledged the resident's desire to remain in bed but stated that nurses instructed her to get the resident up for meals. An LPN confirmed the resident's ability to make her own care decisions but expressed personal opinions about the resident's dietary and activity choices, suggesting she should not always be allowed to decide for herself. Facility leadership, including the Administrator and Social Service Director, confirmed that residents should not be gotten up against their wishes, and the CNA involved believed she was following proper procedure until educated otherwise.