Failure to Provide Timely Toileting Care Compromising Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely care to residents dependent on staff for toileting hygiene, resulting in compromised dignity and comfort for multiple residents. One resident, who was cognitively intact and a bilateral lower extremity amputee with morbid obesity, reported waiting between 30 minutes to over an hour for call lights to be answered, leading to episodes of soiling herself and significant frustration. During direct observation, this resident was left on a bedpan for 29 minutes after requesting assistance, resulting in a pain level of 9 out of 10 and visible skin redness. The resident expressed concern for others who might not be able to advocate for themselves. Staff interviews confirmed that residents should be removed from bedpans within 5-10 minutes to avoid discomfort, but staffing shortages due to call-offs were noted as a contributing factor to delays. Other residents also reported excessive wait times for call light responses, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, which made them feel uncared for and diminished their sense of dignity. Resident council meeting minutes from several months documented ongoing concerns about untimely call light responses. Facility policies on pain management and resident rights emphasized the importance of timely care to promote comfort and dignity, but these standards were not met as evidenced by the experiences and observations described.