Failure to Promptly Address Resident Grievances
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly address and resolve grievances raised by a resident with diagnoses including diabetes, hypertension, and Parkinson's disease, who was cognitively intact. The resident reported having to remain in soiled briefs for extended periods, specifically stating that on one occasion he sat in his own waste for 4-5 hours before being changed, and described this as humiliating. Additionally, the resident reported that staff failed to check his blood sugar or administer insulin on a previous occasion. Multiple staff members confirmed that the resident had voiced these concerns to them, and some reported relaying the complaints to nursing leadership or social services. Despite these reports, there was no documentation indicating that the facility's grievance process was initiated or followed in response to the resident's complaints. The facility's grievance policy required prompt efforts to resolve issues, but the administrator stated she was unaware of the concerns and would have expected the grievance process to be carried out if staff had reported them. The lack of documented follow-up or resolution demonstrates a failure to honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal, as required by facility policy.