Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity During Resident Council Meeting
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a dietary manager failed to treat a resident with dignity and respect during a resident council meeting. The resident, who had diagnoses including dysphagia, cognitive communication deficit, and major depressive disorder, was cognitively intact and valued making personal decisions. During the meeting, the resident expressed concerns about not liking fish and requested an alternative meal. In response, the dietary manager became belligerent, slammed their hands on the table, and yelled, "What do you want me to do about it?" This aggressive behavior caused the resident to become visibly upset and cry in front of others. Multiple staff members, including the Director of Rehab, Business Office Manager, and Social Services Director, witnessed the incident and described the dietary manager's actions as harsh, aggressive, and disrespectful. The Business Office Manager felt so uncomfortable with the dietary manager's response that they left the meeting to involve the administrator. The Social Services Director documented a grievance on behalf of the resident, noting that the resident was visibly upset and negatively affected by the dietary manager's behavior. Other complaints about the dietary manager's treatment of residents had also been received in the past. The administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that the dietary manager was removed from the meeting and subsequently terminated. The resident reported feeling belittled and embarrassed during the incident but later felt safe and supported by other staff and residents. The facility did not provide a policy for dignity and respect when requested during the investigation.