Resident's Right to Choice in Care Not Honored During Bathing
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with multiple diagnoses, including Multiple Sclerosis, paraplegia, and acute respiratory failure, was denied their right to make choices about their care. The resident, who was cognitively intact and dependent on two staff members for bed mobility and bathing, requested a shower on their scheduled shower day. Instead, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assigned to the resident provided a bed bath against the resident's wishes, despite the resident's explicit refusal and request for a shower. The CNA, who was unfamiliar with the resident's care needs and assigned to the unit only once, attempted to provide care alone after being unable to secure assistance from other staff. The CNA admitted to giving the resident a bed bath despite the resident's refusal, citing concern about being written up. During the process, the CNA required the resident to turn to their side, which the resident was unable to do independently, and the CNA proceeded to turn the resident themselves. The resident reported that the CNA was rough during care and did not respect their expressed preferences. Facility policies required that residents' rights, including self-determination and choice in care, be honored, and that two staff members assist with bathing and bed mobility for this resident. Documentation and interviews confirmed that the resident's care plan was not followed, and their preferences were disregarded, resulting in care that was not consistent with the resident's needs or wishes.