Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity and Respect During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity during the provision of personal care. The resident, an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety disorder, was admitted to the facility with a history of resisting or refusing care and exhibiting physical and verbal aggression. The resident also had severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 00, and difficulty communicating her needs. The incident was identified through observation, interviews, and record reviews. The staff member involved admitted to being frustrated with the resident due to a demanding workload and acknowledged making unprofessional statements to the resident. The resident's family reported that the staff member told the resident not to touch them and that there was no one available to help. Additionally, a family member reported that the night aide was rough with the resident, although a subsequent skin assessment revealed no marks or bruises. Facility policy requires that residents be treated with respect and dignity and be free from abuse and neglect. Despite this, the staff member's actions during personal care did not meet these standards, as confirmed by the staff member's own admission and by video evidence reviewed during the facility's investigation. The deficiency was substantiated by the facility's investigation and interviews with administrative staff.