Residents Left Exposed in Bed, Violating Dignity and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
Two residents were not treated with respect and dignity when their bodies were left exposed while they were asleep in bed. For one resident with dementia and alcoholic cirrhosis, observations showed that the resident's brief was visible and their gown was up, exposing the chest, arms, and lower body, with the blanket placed to the side. The resident was dependent on care and unable to make medical decisions, and the DON confirmed that the resident's lower body was exposed and identified this as a dignity issue. For another resident with a history of cerebral vascular accident and hemiplegia, who was also dependent on care and had moderately impaired cognition, observations revealed that the resident's lower body and brief were exposed, with the blanket placed to the side. A CNA present during the observation acknowledged that the resident's body was exposed and stated this was a privacy issue. A review of the facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity indicated that residents should be treated with respect and dignity, and their privacy should be maintained. The policy emphasized the importance of caring for residents in a manner that maintains or enhances their quality of life and recognizes their individuality. The observed incidents were not in accordance with this policy, as both residents were left exposed and their privacy was not maintained.