Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity and Respect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were treated with respect and dignity, as evidenced by multiple incidents involving two residents with significant cognitive and physical impairments. One resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for most activities of daily living, experienced repeated disrespectful and belittling comments from a CNA during personal care. The CNA expressed frustration about having to change the resident frequently due to incontinence, made derogatory remarks about the resident's condition, and spoke in a rude manner, which caused the resident emotional distress, including crying and withdrawal. These incidents were corroborated by witness statements from another CNA, the resident's roommate, and the resident's family, all of whom described the CNA's behavior as unprofessional and hurtful. Another resident, who was rarely or never understood and dependent on staff for toileting and mobility, was also subjected to disrespectful treatment. During a resident council meeting, it was reported that the same CNA responded to a request to empty a trash can containing vomit in a dismissive and unprofessional manner, stating she was too busy and questioning if she needed to "babysit" the residents. The CNA delayed emptying the trash for several hours, leaving the residents in an unpleasant environment. This incident was reported by a roommate who witnessed the CNA's conduct and the impact it had on the affected resident. The facility's policy requires that all residents be treated with respect and dignity, and that care be provided in a manner that maintains or enhances each resident's quality of life. However, the documented actions and statements of the CNA in these incidents demonstrate a failure to uphold these standards, resulting in a lack of respect and dignity for the residents involved.