Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Prohibit Personal Cell Phone Use During Care
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to treat residents with respect and dignity, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and incontinence was told by a CNA to urinate in her brief instead of being assisted to the bathroom, despite her request and care plan interventions that included prompted toileting and peri-care. The resident was observed crying out for help, and the CNA dismissed her request, instructing her to use her brief because it was dry. Additionally, several residents reported that staff frequently used their cell phones while providing direct care, including during wound care and medication administration. Residents described staff watching television shows or texting friends on their phones, which made them feel uncomfortable and neglected. One resident noted that a staff member did not change gloves after using their phone during wound care. Observations confirmed that a nurse was scrolling on social media while sitting next to a resident in the dining room. Interviews with facility leadership confirmed that personal cell phone use was not permitted during resident care, except for specific business-related reasons. Both the DON and Administrator acknowledged that telling residents to urinate in their briefs was not acceptable and not in line with facility policy. Facility policies reviewed emphasized the importance of treating residents with dignity and promptly responding to toileting needs, as well as prohibiting personal cell phone use while working on the floor or in resident rooms.