Failure to Ensure Resident Visitation Rights in Shared Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's right to full and equal visitation privileges was honored. A cognitively intact resident, who is bedbound and requires assistance with personal care, was denied visitation from her best friend after a roommate objected to the visitor's presence. The roommate, who has resided in the facility for many years, became upset and demanded that the visitor leave, believing the visitor to be a funeral director. Staff, including CNAs, LPNs, and the Social Services Director, responded by escorting the visitor out of the room, despite the resident's wishes to continue the visit. The resident expressed anger and frustration that her right to receive visitors was violated, especially since her friend assists her with essential tasks such as managing her link card, grocery shopping, and laundry. Multiple staff members acknowledged that the resident had an equal right to receive visitors in her room, as supported by facility policy. However, no alternative arrangements were made to facilitate the visit after the roommate's objection, and the visitor was not allowed to return. The Assistant Administrator did not follow up with the visitor or the resident to resolve the situation, and the resident's ability to receive her chosen visitor was not restored. Facility documentation and interviews confirm that the resident's visitation rights were not upheld in accordance with her preferences.