Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, hypertension, and anemia, who was receiving hospice care and required total staff assistance with eating, was not provided a dignified dining experience. The resident was observed in the dining room seated in a reclining wheelchair while a hospice registered nurse (H-RN) stood beside her and assisted her with eating by feeding her with a spoon. This practice was observed on multiple occasions during the meal. Interviews with the resident's family member, the H-RN, another registered nurse (RN-A), and the director of nursing (DON) confirmed that standing while feeding a resident is not considered a dignified practice. The family member expressed dissatisfaction with the staff standing while feeding, and both RN-A and the DON stated that staff are expected to sit while assisting residents with eating to maintain dignity and promote safety. Facility policy also indicated that all residents should receive safe and dignified care.