Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a staff member failed to treat a resident with dignity and respect by not knocking or announcing their presence before entering the resident's room. The resident, who was cognitively intact, expressed a preference for staff to knock or announce themselves before entering, as she liked to know who was in her room and what they were doing. The housekeeper involved stated she did not knock if residents were already awake, but both the housekeeping supervisor and the administrator confirmed that staff are always expected to announce their presence regardless of the resident's state. Another deficiency was observed when a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter was seen in common areas with an uncovered catheter drainage bag, making the urine visible to other residents, staff, and visitors. The resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired, was observed multiple times with the visible catheter bag. Interviews with nursing staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the need for privacy covers, and staff indicated that privacy bags were not readily available or seen on the unit. However, both the DON and the administrator stated that privacy covers were provided by the facility and should be used to maintain resident dignity.