Failure to Honor Resident Dignity and Bathing Preferences
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity when a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) spoke to the resident in a belittling and demeaning manner, using language and tone typically reserved for addressing a child. This incident occurred after the resident, who has a history of congestive heart failure, seizure disorder, stroke, hypothyroidism, and hypertension, requested a shower in the evening, having declined one earlier in the day. The CNA responded in a rude and unprofessional manner, scolding the resident in front of other staff and residents, which made the resident feel embarrassed and put down. Multiple interviews with facility staff, including a Registered Nurse (RN), another CNA, and the Director of Nursing (DON), confirmed that the CNA's behavior was inappropriate and did not respect the resident's right to self-determination or to choose their own bathing schedule. The facility's policy on resident rights, which emphasizes respect, dignity, and the right to choose personal schedules, was not followed in this instance. The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and DON acknowledged that the resident's rights were not upheld during the incident.