Failure to Preserve Resident Dignity During Meals Due to Urinals Left Beside Food
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed dining with urinals containing urine placed on the tray table beside his food. Multiple observations over two days confirmed that the resident's urinals, each half full, were left on the bedside or tray table during meal times, including during breakfast and lunch. The presence of urinals next to food was confirmed by a registered nurse, who acknowledged that this was inappropriate. The resident involved had a history of acute respiratory failure, hemiplegia, diabetes, muscle weakness, and moderate cognitive impairment, requiring assistance with activities of daily living and incontinence care. The care plan noted the risk of infection or cross-contamination due to the resident keeping urinals on the bedside table with food and other items, and interventions included education and encouragement to keep urinals off the table. Despite these interventions, staff did not ensure the removal of urinals from the dining area, resulting in a failure to preserve the resident's dignity during meals.