Failure to Treat Residents with Dignity and Respect
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity and respect at all times, as evidenced by multiple incidents involving the Director of Nursing (DON) making harsh and upsetting comments to a resident in front of others. The DON discussed a resident's behaviors and questioned their mental health in the presence of other residents, accused the resident of lying and being sneaky, and made demeaning remarks about the resident's cancer diagnosis and smoking habits. These interactions were observed and corroborated by resident interviews, with the affected resident reporting feelings of humiliation, fear of homelessness, and self-isolation as a result of the DON's comments. Additionally, the DON threatened to revoke the smoking privileges of two residents if they continued to share cigarettes with the resident in question. Residents expressed confusion and distress over these threats, stating that their cigarettes were their own property and money. The DON also approached another resident to warn them about being friends with the resident, labeling the individual as manipulative and potentially exploitative, which led to further feelings of being singled out and treated differently due to the resident's past. Staff interviews confirmed that such behavior was inappropriate and not in line with facility policy, which mandates treating residents with dignity and respect and prohibits demeaning practices. The DON acknowledged making the statements and justified them as attempts to educate the resident, but admitted that her comments were inappropriate. The administrator was made aware of the situation, and staff members indicated they would report similar incidents if observed.