Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity Due to Staff Use of Foul Language and Ethnic Slurs
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure residents were treated with respect and dignity, as required by facility policy and state regulations. Seven residents reported that staff used foul language, ethnic slurs, and laughed at or made jokes about residents in hallways and common areas, making them feel uncomfortable. Observations confirmed that a certified nurse aide used an ethnic slur in a hallway with staff and residents present, and another aide laughed at a confused and distressed resident in the dining area in front of other residents. Multiple residents stated that staff frequently used foul language, ethnic slurs, and made inappropriate jokes, including about drug use, in the presence of residents. Interviews with staff revealed that some were aware of the inappropriate language and behavior, acknowledging that swearing and ethnic slurs were used in the facility and that such actions were not appropriate. Staff also recognized that laughing at or talking about residents in public areas was undignified and could make residents feel humiliated or belittled. Facility policies required all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, prohibiting harassment, offensive language, and slurs, but these standards were not upheld in practice, as evidenced by the observations and resident reports.