Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity by Labeling Residents Needing Feeding Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to honor residents' rights to dignity and self-determination by referring to residents who required assistance with feeding as "feeders." This practice was observed for seven residents, all of whom required substantial or maximal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to various medical conditions such as muscle weakness, diabetes, COPD, hypertension, depression, and pressure ulcers. The residents' cognitive abilities ranged from moderately impaired to severely impaired, with one resident having intact cognition. During interviews, a CNA confirmed that staff maintained a list titled "Feeders" to identify residents needing feeding assistance, and routinely referred to these residents by this label. The Director of Staff Development also acknowledged that residents who needed help with feeding were called "feeders" by staff. The Interim Director of Nursing emphasized the importance of addressing residents by their names as a matter of respect and dignity, regardless of their cognitive status. A review of the facility's policy on "Assistance with Meals" indicated that staff should avoid using labels such as "feeders" when referring to residents. Despite this policy, the practice of labeling residents in this manner persisted, as evidenced by staff interviews and facility documentation. This failure to follow policy and maintain residents' dignity was identified through observation, interviews, and record review.