Failure to Promote Resident Dignity During Feeding Assistance and Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to promote resident dignity for two residents by not adhering to proper feeding assistance protocols and timely meal service. For one resident with hemiplegia and moderate cognitive impairment, staff did not wash the resident's hands before meals and provided feeding assistance while standing, which the resident reported as uncomfortable and undignified. The same resident also experienced a significant delay in receiving her meal, having to wait approximately 25 minutes after her roommate began eating, resulting in dissatisfaction with the wait and concern about the food temperature. Staff interviews confirmed that the certified nursing assistant (CNA) involved was aware that standing while feeding and failing to wash hands before meals were not dignified practices. The CNA attributed these lapses to short staffing and the need to assist multiple residents during mealtimes. Facility policies require residents to be treated with respect and dignity and to receive necessary services to maintain personal hygiene and nutrition, which were not followed in these instances. A second resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required supervision or touching assistance with self-care, was also observed receiving feeding assistance from a CNA who stood next to the bed rather than sitting. The CNA acknowledged that this was not a dignified approach. Facility administrative staff were made aware of these findings, and no additional information was provided prior to the survey exit.