Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Timely Response to Call Lights
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain resident dignity and respect in several instances. In one case, a CNA provided care to a resident with severe cognitive impairment without fully closing the privacy curtain, resulting in the resident's body being exposed. The CNA admitted to being in a hurry and forgetting to close the curtain, while both the RN and DON confirmed that privacy should have been maintained during care. In another instance, staff did not answer call lights in a timely manner during a shift change, with observed response times averaging 5-10 minutes. A resident with a history of stroke and hemiplegia, who was cognitively intact, reported that call lights were not answered promptly, making him feel disrespected and unimportant. The DON acknowledged that call lights should be answered as soon as possible and that delays do not promote residents' sense of well-being. Additionally, a resident reported waiting 15-20 minutes for assistance to transfer from a wheelchair to bed, with no staff responding to the call light. The resident's roommate confirmed the delay and stated he had to leave his bed to find help. The DON stated that timely response to call lights is the responsibility of all staff and that delays could result in unmet resident needs. Facility policies reviewed emphasized the importance of dignity, respect, and prompt response to resident requests.