Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Preferences in Care and Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the dignity and personal preferences of two residents regarding their care and environment. One resident, who historically preferred to be clean shaven as documented in his care plan, was observed over multiple days with significant facial hair growth. Despite expressing his desire to be shaved during his scheduled shower, the CNA did not perform the shave, and the resident remained unshaven for several days. Staff interviews confirmed that male residents should be asked daily about shaving preferences, and the resident himself reported requesting a shave that was not provided, even though he had his own razor and was told the facility would supply one. Another resident, with intact cognition and a history of verbal aggression, experienced a lack of respect for her preferences during a room cleaning. The resident requested that the light be turned off while she watched a movie and asked the housekeeper to return later. The housekeeper, however, continued cleaning and turned the light back on despite the resident's objections. Staff interviews revealed that the housekeeper was aware of resident rights and abuse prevention training, and the housekeeping supervisor acknowledged that cleaning should be rescheduled if a resident requests it. These incidents demonstrate that the facility did not consistently ensure residents were treated with dignity and respect, as required. Both residents' preferences and care plans were not followed, and staff did not adequately respond to their requests, resulting in a failure to uphold their rights to self-determination and a dignified existence.