Failure to Provide Dignified and Kind Care to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received care in accordance with professional standards of practice, their person-centered care plans, and their expressed choices. One resident, a woman with a history of cerebral infarction, insomnia, and generalized anxiety disorder, was care planned to require assistance from one staff member for toileting due to fluctuating weakness and fatigue. Despite being cognitively intact, she reported that after activating her call light for bathroom assistance, a CNA responded by questioning why she did not get up herself, then left without providing help. The CNA returned approximately 30 minutes later without speaking or assisting, leaving the resident feeling bad about asking for help. Another resident, a male with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, type II diabetes with nephropathy, and end stage renal disease, also required partial to moderate assistance for toileting due to generalized weakness and amputation. He reported that during the night shift, the same CNA turned away and left when he needed to be cleaned up, despite his occasional dizziness and need for restroom assistance. He stated that he reported the incident to the administrator and that the experience made him feel like he was not receiving the care he needed. Interviews with staff confirmed awareness of the CNA's behavior, with one LVN noting gossip about the CNA not treating residents fairly. The administrator confirmed being made aware of the incidents, including a written letter from the female resident describing the unkind treatment. The facility's policy on dignity emphasizes care that promotes residents' well-being, satisfaction, and self-worth, supporting their rights and preferences in daily living activities. The events described represent a failure to provide care in a kind and dignified manner as required by both policy and regulation.