Failure to Honor Resident's Care Preferences and Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's expressed preference for care and did not provide services in a manner that maintained and promoted dignity. On the night in question, a resident requested that a CNA clean her back with a warm wet washcloth due to soap being left on her skin after a bath. The CNA, who had only cleansing wipes on hand, used the wipes instead and did not consider retrieving a washcloth from the linen cart, despite their availability. The resident expressed dissatisfaction and asked the CNA to leave if her request could not be met. Subsequently, an LPN informed the resident that if she did not allow the CNA to proceed with care using the wipes, she would have to wait until staff finished with other residents, which could result in her remaining wet and uncomfortable for an extended period. Interviews and record reviews confirmed that the resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired with a BIMS score of 12 and had a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, did not receive care as she requested. Facility policy requires that residents be treated with respect and dignity, and that their preferences be honored to maintain or enhance their quality of life. The administrator acknowledged that the CNA should have provided care using a washcloth as requested and that failing to do so could have made the resident feel her voice was not heard.