Failure to Offer Resident Personal Clothing Compromises Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's right to dignity by not offering her the opportunity to wear her own clothing, despite her personal clothes being available in her closet. Multiple observations over two days found the resident consistently dressed in a hospital gown, and interviews with the resident revealed she felt neglected, discriminated against, and emotionally distressed by not being allowed to wear her own clothes. The resident expressed these concerns during a care conference attended by an Ombudsman, who also questioned the facility about the resident's attire. Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) and the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) confirmed that the resident had her own clothing available and that she was not offered the option to be dressed in them. The ADON acknowledged that the facility's policy and procedure for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which requires care to be provided based on resident preferences and needs, was not followed. The resident's care plan did not indicate any refusal or preference to remain in a hospital gown, and staff interviews confirmed that the resident was not asked about her clothing preferences, resulting in a failure to uphold her dignity.