Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Personal Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple medical conditions, including metabolic encephalopathy, pneumonia, chronic respiratory failure, major depression, anxiety, spinal cord injury, and chronic lung disease, was observed in bed with flannel pajama pants pulled down below the knees and above heel boots. The resident, who required moderate to substantial assistance with personal care and was dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, was found in this state on two separate occasions. The resident explained that the pajama pants were left pulled down at night to make it easier for staff to change him in case of an accident, as he wore heel boots while in bed. During an interview, the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed the observation of the resident's pajama pants being pulled down and was unable to provide a reason for this practice, stating that the aides must be responsible. Review of the facility's policy on dignity indicated that all residents should be treated with dignity and respect at all times, including providing bodily privacy during personal care and treatments. The failure to maintain the resident's dignity and privacy constituted a deficiency as it did not align with the facility's stated policy.