Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Respect During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a dietary aide (DA) failed to accommodate a resident's request for condiments during meal service and engaged in an argument with the resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had diagnoses including depression and an unspecified mood disorder, requested salt and pepper during breakfast. The DA informed the resident that there were no condiments available and did not attempt to fulfill the request. The resident then went to another floor to obtain the condiments independently. Upon returning, the DA taunted and insulted the resident, making derogatory remarks about the resident's appearance and age. Multiple staff members witnessed the exchange, reporting that the DA laughed at the resident, called the resident names such as 'skinny' and 'bald-headed,' and used inappropriate language. The situation escalated as the DA continued to argue with the resident, despite being instructed by a nurse to stop. The argument included cursing and threats, with both the DA and the resident exchanging hostile words. The DA admitted to being irritated by the resident and acknowledged making inappropriate comments during the altercation. The facility's policies and job descriptions require staff to treat residents with dignity and respect, to provide prompt and polite service, and to deescalate situations when residents become agitated. In this incident, the DA did not follow these protocols, failed to meet the resident's needs, and engaged in unprofessional and disrespectful behavior, resulting in a violation of the resident's right to dignity and respectful treatment during meal service.