Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Dining Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was observed standing while assisting a resident with eating in the main dining room. The resident in question had a history of Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, seizures, depression, anxiety, and a psychotic disorder, and required maximum to total assistance for eating due to deficits in activities of daily living and a risk for nutritional decline. The resident also had severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a low score on the Brief Interview for Mental Status. The CNA explained that she stood while assisting the resident in the dining room in case she needed to move and do something else during the meal, although she acknowledged that she was supposed to sit while assisting residents with meals. The Business Office Manager confirmed observing the CNA standing while assisting the resident during both lunch and breakfast. The facility's Administrator stated that staff were expected to sit while assisting residents with meals, as this practice communicated to residents that they and their meals were important and not to be rushed, and that it was a matter of dignity. However, the facility did not have a formal policy requiring staff to sit while assisting with meals, but the expectation was considered part of treating residents with dignity under residents' rights.