Failure to Initiate and Resolve Resident Grievance Regarding Aromatherapy Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to initiate, investigate, and resolve a grievance for one resident who was admitted with a diagnosis including insomnia and was able to communicate their needs. The resident expressed being upset after being told by staff that they could no longer use their essential oils due to complaints about the strong smell. Documentation showed that the resident was informed by social services that the use of their diffuser was not allowed, and they were provided with a fragrance-free facility policy. Despite the resident expressing discontent, no grievance was filed or documented in the grievance log for the relevant period. Social services staff did not offer to file a grievance, stating the resident could initiate one independently, which was contrary to the administrator's stated expectation that staff should initiate grievances for resident concerns.