Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Respect
Penalty
Summary
Two residents were not treated with respect and dignity according to facility policy. One resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required assistance with most activities of daily living, was observed with food particles on her gown and bed linen after a meal. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was not cleaned up after eating, and that it is the responsibility of staff to ensure residents are clean from food particles to maintain their dignity. Facility policy requires provision of a clean, comfortable bed and environment to support resident dignity and well-being. Another resident, who was moderately impaired cognitively and required some assistance with personal care, was addressed by a staff member as "grandma" rather than by her preferred name. The resident expressed that she did not like being called "grandma" and preferred to be addressed as "Miss." Staff and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that addressing the resident by a name other than her preference was inappropriate and not in accordance with the facility's policy, which requires staff to speak respectfully and use residents' names of choice.