Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Mealtime Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to treat two residents with respect and dignity during mealtime. Observations showed that Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) stood over both residents while feeding them lunch in the activity/dining room, rather than sitting and engaging with them at eye level. One resident was seated in a high back wheelchair and required assistance due to diagnoses including anoxic encephalopathy, dementia, hypertension, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and dysphagia. The other resident, also in a wheelchair, had diagnoses of dementia, depression, anemia, anxiety, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. Both CNAs confirmed in interviews that they did not sit while feeding the residents, despite acknowledging the importance of doing so to maintain a homely environment and provide dignified care. A review of the facility's policy and procedure for assistance with feeding indicated that staff are required to support residents in a manner that maintains their dignity, independence, safety, and nutritional well-being, and to engage with residents calmly and respectfully. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the observed actions were unacceptable and not in accordance with facility policy, as staff should have been seated and engaging respectfully with the residents during mealtime.