Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse by Family Representative
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, dependent on staff for all activities of daily living due to dementia and dysphagia following a stroke, was admitted to the facility. On the morning of 5/21/25, the resident's family representative attempted to feed the resident and, when the resident did not open their mouth, slapped the resident on the left side of the face. This incident was witnessed by a housekeeper, who observed the family representative striking the resident and then leaving the room. Following the incident, the charge nurse noted redness and slight swelling on the resident's left cheekbone. The resident was unable to provide information about the event due to their cognitive status. Facility records confirmed the physical findings, and staff interviews indicated that the family representative had a history of not listening to staff instructions. The facility's policy required protection of residents from all forms of abuse, but this was not upheld in this instance.