Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity Due to Soiled Clothing and Exposed Undergarments
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a diagnosis of unspecified dementia and moderate cognitive impairment was observed sitting in his room wearing a visibly soiled shirt with food stains and liquids, and his pants were pulled down past his hips, exposing his protective underwear. The resident was in this state while a staff member changed his linen but did not provide any care or address his appearance. Both a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) acknowledged the resident's soiled clothing and exposed undergarments, confirming it was a dignity issue. The CNA admitted to noticing the soiled shirt after breakfast but did not return to address it due to being occupied with another resident. The facility's policy on dignity requires that each resident be cared for in a manner that promotes well-being and self-worth. The administrator stated that staff are expected to address residents' needs as soon as they are identified. Despite this, the resident's needs were not promptly met, resulting in a failure to maintain the resident's dignity as required by facility policy.