Failure to Treat Visually Impaired Resident with Dignity During Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to treat a physically dependent, visually impaired resident with respect and dignity during an interaction regarding the resident's request for a hat to cover a bald spot. The resident, who had diagnoses including epilepsy, muscle weakness, and significant visual impairment, expressed dissatisfaction with a headband not adequately covering her bald spot and requested a hat. During the incident, a CNA responded by telling the resident she was already wearing a headband and did not need a hat, and then abruptly removed the headband from the resident's head without prior verbalization, despite the resident's visual impairment. The CNA was observed on video removing the headband in an abrupt manner, causing the resident's arm to jerk away as she attempted to fix her hair, and then quickly placing a hat on the resident's head before propelling her to the dining room. Interviews with staff and the resident confirmed that the CNA acted in a rushed and irritated manner, did not communicate her actions to the resident, and handled the resident's request without the expected level of respect and sensitivity, particularly given the resident's visual impairment. The incident was reported by another staff member, and it was noted that the CNA had previously displayed attitude issues toward the resident. The facility's policy defines neglect as the failure to provide necessary goods and services to avoid physical harm, pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress, which was relevant to the observed actions.