Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity and respect during personal care activities, as evidenced by multiple observations involving incontinence care and post-shower assistance. In several instances, residents with cognitive intactness and various medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and heart failure, were exposed during care. One resident was observed receiving incontinence care with the room door open and privacy curtain not drawn, resulting in exposure of the resident's buttocks and legs. Another resident was seen sitting naked on the toilet with her head lowered, and staff confirmed that dignity was not maintained during these activities. Additionally, an incontinence product containing stool was left on the floor without a barrier during care. In a separate incident, a resident was observed self-propelling in a wheelchair in the hallway after a shower, covered only by a towel that left her shoulders, upper thighs, and feet exposed. Staff accompanying the resident acknowledged that the resident was not fully covered. Another resident received incontinence care next to a large window with open blinds, exposing her to view from an adjacent parking lot and sidewalk. The staff member providing care confirmed that the blinds were not closed during the procedure. Facility policy required staff to promote and maintain resident privacy and dignity during personal care, which was not followed in these instances.