Failure to Provide Privacy Curtain Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a female resident with major depressive disorder, anxiety, and moderate cognitive impairment was found to be without a privacy curtain in her shared room for approximately four weeks. The resident reported having to use the bathroom to change clothes due to concerns about privacy, as anyone could enter the room while she was changing. Observation confirmed the absence of a privacy curtain, and the resident expressed discomfort with the situation. Staff interviews revealed that the LVN assigned to the hall was aware of the missing curtain but did not know why it was absent. The ADON and Administrator were not previously aware of the issue and speculated that laundry may have removed the curtain for cleaning. The resident's roommate had a privacy curtain, but this did not provide privacy for the affected resident. Facility policy requires that residents be treated with dignity and respect, including the provision of a private environment.