Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that staff failed to uphold residents' rights to dignity and respect during meal service on Unit A2. Specifically, a Licensed Practical Nurse and several Certified Nurse Aides were seen feeding residents while standing, contrary to facility policy which requires staff to be seated at eye level to promote socialization and a dignified dining experience. Staff also addressed residents using terms such as "honey" and referred to them as "feeders" rather than by their preferred names, which is inconsistent with the facility's policy and training on maintaining resident respect and dignity. Interviews with staff confirmed awareness of the proper procedures and the importance of addressing residents appropriately, yet staff admitted to using pet names and standing while feeding due to lack of access to chairs or uncertainty about protocol. The facility's policy emphasizes providing care that bespeaks dignity, respect, and compassion, and requires residents to be addressed in an adult manner by their given names. Despite this, the observed actions and language used by staff did not align with these standards, resulting in a deficiency related to the residents' right to a dignified existence.