Verbal Abuse of Vulnerable Residents in Memory Care Unit
Penalty
Summary
A staff member on the memory care unit was reported to have engaged in verbally abusive behavior toward residents. The incident was initially brought to attention when a CNA reported, via text message, that an employee had been yelling at residents during the night shift. The report did not specify which residents were involved or the exact language used, but all residents in the memory care unit were identified as vulnerable. Subsequent interviews confirmed that the staff member in question had previously demonstrated negative verbal interactions with residents. The facility's investigation substantiated the allegation of verbal abuse, confirming that the staff member had engaged in inappropriate verbal conduct toward residents on more than one occasion. At the time of the incident, residents were assessed for signs of distress or behavioral changes, but no acute distress was noted. The deficiency centers on the occurrence of verbal abuse directed at vulnerable residents in the secure memory care unit by a staff member.