Resident Subjected to Verbal Abuse by Staff
Penalty
Summary
A resident with moderate cognitive impairment, dependent on staff for activities of daily living and mobility, reported being subjected to disrespectful and derogatory language by facility staff during care. The resident recalled staff making age-related disparaging remarks, including comments such as, 'Well, if you weren't so old,' and, 'I don't know why they send you (old) people here.' The resident stated that when she asked the staff to stop, her request was ignored. Documentation from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) indicated that the resident reported being hurt by two aides and that one aide admitted to making a comment suggesting the resident belonged on the dementia unit if she continued certain behaviors. The facility's investigation substantiated the occurrence of verbal abuse, as defined by their Abuse Program Policy, which prohibits the use of disparaging or derogatory language toward residents. The involved staff members denied the events, but the investigation included written statements and interviews that confirmed inappropriate comments were made within the resident's hearing. The incident was reported to facility administration, and an investigation was initiated following the resident's complaint.