Failure to Maintain Dignity During Dining Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain resident dignity during dining by standing over a resident while assisting with feeding. Observation revealed that a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) was standing over a resident during mealtime assistance, which was confirmed by both a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and another CNA, who stated that it was common practice for CNAs to stand while feeding residents. The facility's policy on meal assistance specifically states that residents should be fed with attention to dignity, including not standing over them during meals. The resident involved had a history of hypertension, osteoarthritis, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Her most recent assessment indicated mildly impaired cognition and that she was independent with eating. However, her care plan noted a risk for self-care deficit, requiring supervision and one-person assistance depending on her mood, energy, and pain levels. Despite these documented needs and facility policy, staff did not provide assistance in a manner that preserved the resident's dignity.