Failure to Honor Resident's Dignity by Not Dressing in Preferred Attire
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to honor a resident's right to dignity by not dressing the resident in their preferred attire, as specified in the care plan. The resident, who had a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction and was severely impaired in daily decision making, required substantial assistance with dressing. The care plan clearly indicated that the resident preferred to wear a white T-shirt at all times and required staff assistance for dressing due to cognitive and physical impairments. Despite these documented preferences and needs, the resident was repeatedly observed lying in bed wearing a hospital gown on multiple occasions. Interviews with the resident's representative confirmed that the resident was always seen in a hospital gown during visits, even though personal clothing was available at the facility. Facility leadership, including the DON and Administrator, acknowledged that the resident should have been dressed in regular clothes as per the care plan and that failing to do so did not honor the resident's dignity or rights. Staff also recognized that keeping a resident in a hospital gown was against resident rights, as outlined in facility policy.