Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) failed to assist a resident with their meal in a manner that promoted dignity and quality of life. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, anxiety disorder, and lack of coordination, was dependent on staff for various activities of daily living and required supervision with eating. During an observation, the CNA was seen standing over the resident while assisting with the meal, rather than sitting at eye level as required. The CNA acknowledged that a chair was available but was not used, and stated that they did not sit because the resident might try to get up. The CNA also recognized that the proper procedure was to sit at eye level with the resident during meal assistance. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed in an interview that staff are expected to sit at eye level with residents when assisting with meals, and that standing over a resident does not respect the resident's right to dignity. A review of the facility's policy and procedures on meal assistance further indicated that residents should be assisted in a manner that ensures safety, comfort, and dignity, specifically stating that staff should not stand over residents while assisting them with meals. This failure to follow policy and procedure resulted in the resident not being treated with dignity during meal assistance.