Resident Privacy Compromised Due to Broken Window Blinds
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's right to privacy and dignity was not maintained due to broken window blinds in her room. Observations revealed that one set of blinds had 22 broken slats out of 39, and another set had 5 broken slats out of 33, making the room visible from the main street. The resident reported that someone had measured the windows for new blinds weeks prior, but no further action had been taken, and she continued to lack privacy. The resident expressed concerns about her privacy, especially at night when staff turned on the lights during care, making her visible from outside. Staff interviews confirmed the issue, with a CNA acknowledging that the broken blinds allowed people outside to see into the room and that this could be a privacy issue affecting residents emotionally. The Interim Director of Nursing also confirmed that most rooms faced outside and that the lack of privacy could impact residents' comfort. The facility's policy on dignity emphasized care that promotes and enhances quality of life and dignity, which was not upheld in this instance.