Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care and Daily Activities
Penalty
Summary
Multiple deficiencies were identified related to the failure to honor residents' rights to dignity, self-determination, and a homelike environment. Observations revealed that staff did not interact with residents in a dignified manner during mealtimes, such as failing to converse with a resident who required assistance with eating. Residents reported feeling rushed during meals, having to wait for staff attention, and being encouraged to finish meals in their rooms against their preferences. Additionally, residents voiced concerns during a council meeting about staff not responding to requests for help, not knocking or waiting for a response before entering rooms, and not providing adequate assistance with personal care and privacy. Further deficiencies were noted in the handling of urinary catheters. Two residents with indwelling urinary catheters were observed with uncovered catheter bags that were visible from the hallway, lacking privacy covers as required. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility was supposed to use privacy bags but had not consistently done so, resulting in residents' urine being visible to others. These observations were made on multiple occasions, and staff were unaware of the ongoing issues until informed by surveyors. Additional concerns included a resident with severe cognitive impairment being assisted with dressing without the privacy curtain drawn, and the room door left open, exposing the resident to view from the hallway. The facility's grievance log did not contain entries for the concerns raised by several residents, indicating a lack of documentation or follow-up on these dignity-related issues. Staff interviews confirmed that they were not aware of many of the residents' concerns until brought to their attention by surveyors.