Failure to Maintain Dignity During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents requiring assistance with eating were treated with dignity and respect, specifically by not assisting them at eye level during mealtimes. Observations revealed that two residents with significant cognitive impairments and physical limitations were assisted with eating by staff who remained standing rather than sitting at eye level, contrary to facility policy and training. One resident, a male with COPD, dementia, and altered mental status, required supervision and set-up help for eating, while another, a female with cognitive communication deficits and generalized weakness, required supervision during meals. During meal observations, staff members, including a CNA and a staff person (SP), were seen assisting these residents while standing, which did not align with the facility's established procedures for dining assistance. Interviews with staff confirmed that they were aware of the expectation to be seated at eye level when assisting residents with eating, and that this practice was part of their training and competencies. One CNA, who was in training, brought chairs to the staff after noticing they were standing, and acknowledged the importance of being at eye level for proper monitoring and resident comfort. Further interviews with the DON and other staff reiterated that sitting at eye level was a standard practice intended to promote resident comfort and allow for better observation during feeding. The facility's written procedure also specified that qualified nursing staff should sit down when assisting residents with eating. Despite this, the observed failure to follow these procedures resulted in a lack of dignity and potentially inadequate monitoring for the residents involved.