Delay in Incontinence Care Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with moderately impaired cognition, dependent on staff for toileting hygiene and frequently incontinent of bowel, was not provided timely personal care after experiencing multiple episodes of diarrhea. Documentation showed the resident had several incidents of incontinence over the course of an evening. The resident required assistance from two staff members for incontinence care and transfers, as outlined in their care plan. On the evening in question, the resident activated their call light after soiling their brief. A CNA responded and informed the resident that assistance would be delayed until another staff member returned from break, as two staff were needed for care. The CNA attempted to find another staff member but became occupied with another resident requiring immediate assistance and forgot to notify the returning staff about the resident's need. As a result, the resident remained in a soiled brief for an extended period, which the resident later described as upsetting and undignified. Interviews with staff and the resident confirmed that the resident was left waiting for incontinence care, and staff acknowledged the resident's right to timely assistance and dignified treatment. The facility's policy emphasized the importance of treating residents with dignity and respect, but this expectation was not met in this instance, as the resident was not promptly attended to during repeated episodes of incontinence.