Failure to Provide Eye-Level Feeding Assistance Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to provide feeding assistance at eye-level to a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dysphagia, and diabetes who required a mechanically altered diet and assistance with eating. During observation, the CNA was seen standing to the side of the resident's bed while feeding, rather than being at eye-level as required by facility policy and staff expectations. The resident's bed was elevated at the head but positioned low to the floor, and the CNA did not adjust her position to be at eye-level with the resident. Interviews with the CNA, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), and the assistant director of nursing (ADON) confirmed that staff are expected to provide feeding assistance at eye-level to maintain resident dignity and comfort. Facility policies reviewed also emphasized the importance of maintaining resident self-esteem and self-worth during care activities, including meal assistance. The failure to provide feeding assistance at eye-level was noted as a lapse in upholding the resident's right to dignity and could affect the resident's self-esteem and self-worth.