Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Dining
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain resident dignity and respect during dining, as evidenced by staff not using courtesy titles and serving meals in the hallway without care planning for such preferences. Specifically, a registered nurse addressed a moderately cognitively impaired resident using terms such as "honey," "baby," and "babydoll" during meal service, contrary to facility policy which requires the use of courtesy titles and prohibits the use of endearments. Additionally, certified nursing assistants served meals to three severely cognitively impaired residents in the hallway while they were seated in Geri-chairs or Broda chairs, despite none of these residents having care plans indicating a preference for hallway dining. Medical record reviews confirmed that the affected residents had significant cognitive impairments and required staff assistance for activities of daily living, including eating. Observations documented that meals were provided and assistance was given in the hallway rather than in designated dining areas or according to resident preference. Interviews with facility staff, including the RN, MDS Coordinator, and DON, confirmed that serving meals in the hallway without care planning and failing to use appropriate forms of address were not in accordance with facility policy or resident rights.