Staff Stood Over Resident During Feeding, Violating Dignity Policy
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain resident dignity during mealtime assistance for one resident. Observation revealed that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) stood and hovered over a resident while assisting with feeding, rather than sitting at eye level as required by facility policy. The CNA stated she was unable to find a chair to sit on, despite knowing the expectation to sit while feeding residents. The Director of Staff Development confirmed that staff are expected to sit at eye level to promote dignity and prevent residents from feeling intimidated. The affected resident had been readmitted with diagnoses including anoxic brain damage, epileptic seizure, and dysphagia, and was assessed as severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for eating and other activities of daily living. Facility policies reviewed indicated that residents should be assisted with meals in a manner that ensures safety, comfort, and dignity, specifically noting that staff should not stand over residents during feeding. The incident was identified through observation, interviews, and record review.