Failure to Provide Dignified Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
A resident who is cognitively intact and requires substantial to maximal assistance for toileting was observed in bed wearing a hospital gown. The resident reported that the night shift staff did not respond to her call light requests for incontinence care, sometimes leaving her waiting for 5-6 hours before anyone would assist. On one occasion, a staff member entered the room, expressed frustration about having to provide care, stated she would return, but never did. As a result, the resident remained in a soiled incontinence brief containing stool and urine for several hours. The resident further stated that when she reminded the same staff member the following day about not returning to provide care, the staff member acknowledged leaving her in that condition and responded with an attitude. The resident expressed feelings of being a burden and reported being afraid to urinate at night due to the prolonged wait for assistance. The facility's policy requires care to be provided in a manner that respects resident rights, dignity, and autonomy, which was not upheld in this instance.