Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Respect During Care Interactions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a dignified care environment for two residents, resulting in deficiencies related to respect and dignity. One resident with quadriplegia, diabetes, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, who was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, experienced an incident where a Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA) entered her room and responded to her inquiry with, "it's none of your business." The resident alleged the CNA used abusive language, which was partially corroborated by the CNA's admission to making a disrespectful comment. The care plan for this resident required at least two staff members to be present during interactions due to a history of allegations, but the report does not specify if this protocol was followed during the incident. Another resident with a history of stroke, diabetes, aphasia, and severe cognitive impairment, who was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living except eating, was observed being assisted with meals in a manner that did not maintain his dignity. Staff were seen standing over the resident while feeding him at the dining table, and his bare abdomen and right side were exposed to peers. Facility staff interviews confirmed that the expected practice was to sit beside residents while assisting with eating and to ensure residents' skin was covered in the dining area, but these standards were not upheld during the observed incidents. Facility policies on resident rights and respect and dignity, as well as staff interviews, emphasized the importance of treating residents with respect, maintaining their dignity, and following specific protocols for care and communication. However, the observed actions and interactions with the two residents did not align with these policies, resulting in a failure to honor the residents' rights to a dignified existence and respectful treatment.