Failure to Protect Resident from Verbal and Physical Abuse by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a housekeeping staff member was observed verbally and physically abusing a resident with severe cognitive impairment. The resident, who had diagnoses including unspecified dementia, depression, and a history of falls, was totally dependent on staff for activities of daily living. On the date of the incident, an activity department employee witnessed the housekeeping staff yelling at the resident and kicking them in an attempt to get the resident to return to their room. The activity staff immediately intervened, instructing the housekeeping staff to stop, and reported the incident to supervisory staff and the administrator. The resident was later assessed and found to have no new injuries or signs of distress, and was unable to recall the event due to cognitive impairment. The facility's investigation included staff interviews and a review of the incident, but was unable to corroborate the allegation through additional witnesses or resident recall. However, the activity staff's account was consistent, and the facility administrator acknowledged that the abuse was substantiated. The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation prevention was not followed by the housekeeping staff, as confirmed by the administrator. The expectation, as outlined in the policy, is for all staff to protect residents from abuse by anyone, including facility staff.