Resident Exposed During Post-Shower Transfer
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a diagnosis of generalized weakness, who required partial to moderate assistance with showering and toilet hygiene, was observed being transported by a CNA in a shower chair from the shower room to his bedroom. During this transfer, the resident had a bath towel covering the front of his body, but his uncovered buttocks was visible and hanging through the shower chair as they moved through the hallway. The CNA stated he usually wrapped a towel around the resident's entire body but was unaware that the resident's buttocks was exposed during this instance. The resident later reported feeling something cold on his buttocks and realized it was uncovered, expressing concern and embarrassment about the possibility of being seen. The DON confirmed that the resident should have been fully covered after the shower to prevent exposure. Facility policy requires staff to promote and protect residents' privacy, including bodily privacy during personal care, but this was not followed in this instance.