Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain resident dignity and privacy in two separate incidents. In the first case, a resident was observed napping in the dining room in a wheelchair, with her clothing bottoms pulled down below her knees, exposing her catheter and a full catheter bag without a privacy cover. The resident was positioned facing the dining room and unit entrance, with other residents and staff present, and staff did not address the visible catheter bag or the resident's state of undress. Staff later reported attempting to encourage the resident to put her pants on, but the issue persisted until the resident was eventually taken to her room and assisted in dressing. In the second incident, a resident was assisted by staff onto a shower chair while wearing a hospital gown, leaving his back and buttocks exposed. The staff member then transported the resident out of his room and past the dining area, where multiple residents and staff could see him, without making any attempt to cover the exposed areas. The staff member later acknowledged not checking for exposure, and the resident reported feeling upset and embarrassed by the incident. Facility policy reviewed confirms residents' rights to privacy.