Resident Denied Dignified Access to Bathroom
Penalty
Summary
A resident admitted with muscle weakness and multiple rib fractures was on a toileting program, as indicated in the care plan, which specified assistance with toileting upon rising, before or after meals, at bedtime, and as needed. Following a fall, the resident requested to use the bathroom, but a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) informed the resident that she was wearing an incontinence brief and could use it instead of being assisted to the restroom. Another CNA stated that she would never instruct a resident to use their brief if the resident requested to use the restroom and was able to do so with assistance, identifying this as a dignity concern. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that it was inappropriate to deny the resident's request and emphasized the importance of preserving the resident's dignity. Facility policy also required staff to promote and maintain resident dignity and respond to requests for assistance in a timely and respectful manner.