Failure to Respect Resident Privacy During Private Conversation
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to honor a resident's right to privacy and dignity during a private conversation. The resident, who had dementia, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and diabetes mellitus, required substantial assistance with activities of daily living and was dependent on staff to meet emotional, intellectual, physical, and social needs. During an interview with the resident, housekeeping staff remained in the room, cleaning in close proximity to the resident and the interviewer, despite the resident's expressed discomfort and request for privacy. One staff member stood at the entrance while another cleaned around the resident's bed and bedside table, and only moved to the bathroom after being asked by the resident. The resident reported feeling that staff intentionally intruded to overhear conversations and described the behavior as uncaring and lacking empathy. Staff interviews confirmed that housekeeping staff should respect residents' privacy when they have guests and that cleaning should not occur near residents during private conversations. The Director of Nursing Services acknowledged the privacy issue, stating that staff should not have been cleaning near the resident and interviewer during their discussion.