Failure to Honor Residents' Religious Preferences and Choices
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents, both practicing Muslims, received care and services in accordance with their comprehensive assessments and care plans, specifically regarding their religious and cultural needs. Both residents expressed that their religious practices, such as praying seven times a day and maintaining cleanliness before prayer, were not accommodated. The care plans for these residents did not reflect their religious preferences or primary language, despite these being significant to their well-being. Progress notes and interviews revealed that one resident was unable to pray as required due to not being provided with adequate opportunities for cleanliness, such as daily showers, and a clean space for prayer. The resident also reported not being offered individualized activities or support for her religious practices, and staff were either unaware of her religious needs or had incorrect information about her faith. The second resident, also a practicing Muslim, reported that he was not allowed to use the chapel for prayer and felt that his individual religious needs were not considered by the facility. Staff interviews indicated a lack of awareness regarding the resident's religious preferences, with some staff only noting dietary restrictions such as not eating pork. The activity director and director of nursing both acknowledged that religious preferences should be included in care plans if residents voice such concerns, but these were not documented or addressed in the care plans for either resident. Facility policies required that care and services be provided in accordance with residents' choices, values, and beliefs, and that care plans reflect these preferences. However, the facility did not follow its own policies, as evidenced by the lack of documentation and accommodation of the residents' religious needs. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and observations, which consistently showed that the residents' spiritual and cultural needs were not being met as required.
Penalty
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The facility failed to properly position residents during meals, affecting three individuals on the secured unit. Observations showed residents in tilt wheelchairs at inappropriate angles and one resident in a low wheelchair without leg rests, unable to reach their meal. Staff did not intervene to reposition the residents, and interviews confirmed the improper positioning. The facility's policy on dignity and respect was not followed.
Improper Positioning of Residents During Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper positioning of residents during meals on the secured unit, affecting three residents. Observations revealed that two residents were seated in specialty tilt wheelchairs at angles between 60 to 75 degrees, with one resident's table height reaching their chin throughout the meal. The staff did not intervene or reposition the residents during the meal observation. Another resident was observed sitting in a low wheelchair without leg rests, with their feet dangling, and was not positioned properly at the table during breakfast. Despite staff presence, no intervention was made to reposition the resident to allow proper access to their meal. Interviews with staff confirmed the improper positioning of residents during meals. One staff member acknowledged that a resident was not positioned correctly at the table, citing concerns about the resident grabbing items off the table. The Director of Nursing verified that residents should be upright and properly positioned at an appropriate table height during meals. The facility's policy on Quality of Life - Dignity emphasizes care that promotes dignity, respect, and individuality, which was not adhered to in these instances.
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