Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience During Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to provide a dignified dining experience for a male resident with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, severe cognitive impairment, and major depressive disorder. The resident was dependent on staff for eating and required a regular puree diet with mildly thickened liquids. Due to his condition, he was unable to sit upright and remained in a supine position in his wheelchair, increasing his risk for choking and aspiration. During a lunch meal service, the CNA was observed standing over the resident while feeding him, with the food and drink placed behind her on the table. She alternated between giving the resident bites of food and drinks while standing, as she was unable to find a clean chair to sit on at the time. The CNA later stated that she typically sat while assisting the resident but could not locate a clean chair and did not want to delay feeding, as the resident became restless when not fed on time. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator both confirmed that staff are expected to sit at eye level with residents during meal assistance to promote dignity and a homelike environment. Facility policy also requires that all residents be treated with respect and dignity, with care provided in a manner that enhances quality of life and recognizes each resident's individuality. The failure to sit while feeding the resident was identified as not meeting these standards.