Failure to Ensure Dignity and Privacy During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect and promote resident rights for two residents by not ensuring dignified care and privacy during daily activities. In one instance, a certified nurse assistant (CNA) assisted a resident with eating while standing above the resident, rather than positioning at eye level as required by facility policy. The resident had moderate cognitive impairment and required moderate assistance with eating. The CNA confirmed not sitting next to the resident during the meal, and the director of nursing (DON) acknowledged the importance of eye-level positioning for a dignified experience. Facility policy specifically prohibits standing over residents while assisting with meals. In another instance, a CNA entered a resident's room and uncovered the resident without closing the privacy curtain or the door, resulting in the resident's left buttock being exposed. The resident had severe cognitive impairment, was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, and was unable to communicate. The CNA admitted to not providing privacy during care, and both an LVN and the DON confirmed that privacy is essential to maintain resident dignity. Facility policy requires staff to promote, maintain, and protect resident privacy, including bodily privacy.