Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience Due to Inappropriate Language
Penalty
Summary
During a meal service, a nursing assistant referred to a resident who required assistance with eating as a "feeder" out loud in the presence of other residents and staff. The dietary aide, upon hearing this, withheld the resident's meal by placing the plate on top of the steam table instead of serving it directly. The resident in question had severely impaired cognitive skills and was dependent on staff for eating, as documented in their care plan and Minimum Data Set. Interviews with staff, including the dietary aide, a registered nurse, and the director of nursing, confirmed that referring to residents as "feeders" is inappropriate, not humane, and could be hurtful or belittling. Another resident also reported that staff commonly used the term, which likely made residents feel bad.