Staff Failed to Maintain Resident Dignity During Feeding Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity during mealtimes, as evidenced by multiple observations of staff standing over residents while providing feeding assistance. Specifically, an LPN was observed standing over two residents while feeding them breakfast, and a CNA was observed standing over another resident in the same manner. Both staff members confirmed in interviews that they were standing while feeding the residents and acknowledged that staff should sit down while assisting with feeding. The three residents affected were all dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and had severe cognitive impairments, including diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Their care plans indicated the need for staff assistance with meals and interventions to address nutritional problems. The facility's policy on meal supervision and assistance required staff to assist with feeding as needed to prevent accidents, but did not specify the manner in which assistance should be provided. The deficiency was identified through observations, staff interviews, and review of facility policy.