Failure to Ensure Full Visual Privacy in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that resident rooms provided full visual privacy for five residents, as required for maintaining dignity and personal space. Observations revealed that several residents either lacked privacy curtains at the foot of their beds, had curtains that did not fully extend due to missing hangers or malfunctioning tracks, or had curtains tied up and not in use. In one case, a resident was also missing multiple slats from window blinds, resulting in a lack of privacy from an outside smoking area. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of privacy, noting that it had persisted for extended periods, and some stated a preference for full privacy, especially when changing clothes. Interviews with staff indicated that maintenance was responsible for hanging and repairing curtains, while housekeeping handled cleaning and replacement when needed. However, maintenance only addressed curtain or track issues when they were reported, and there was no routine check for coverage or functionality. Nursing staff and supervisors acknowledged the importance of privacy curtains and window blinds for resident dignity, but also indicated that missing or broken items were not always promptly reported or addressed. Review of the facility's policy confirmed the requirement to maintain privacy and dignity for residents.