Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Mealtime Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promote dignity and respect for two residents during mealtime assistance. In the first instance, a resident with blindness in one eye and limited mobility required partial assistance with eating. During observation, a CNA was seen standing next to the resident's bedside while assisting with feeding, rather than sitting at eye level as required by facility policy. The CNA acknowledged that she should have been seated to better observe and interact with the resident during feeding. In the second instance, another resident on a controlled carbohydrate, pureed diet with aspiration precautions required one-to-one feeding. A CNA was observed standing while feeding the resident, despite a chair being available. The CNA confirmed he should have been seated at eye level. Facility leadership, including the DSD and DON, stated that staff were expected to sit at eye level when assisting residents with feeding to maintain dignity, but the DSD had not provided in-service training on dignity or respect since starting at the facility.