Failure to Provide Dignity and Timely Response to Resident Needs
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide dignity for two residents. For one resident, staff did not answer the call bell in a timely manner. The resident, who was cognitively intact according to the most recent MDS assessment, was observed waiting 13 minutes for staff to respond to her call bell, despite seven staff members being present in the hallway. The resident reported that response times varied and that she had waited up to an hour for assistance. Facility policy required call bells to be answered as soon as possible, and a CNA confirmed that the expected response time was within two minutes. For another resident, staff failed to provide dignity and respect in the dining room. A sign was posted at the entrance of the dining room stating that any residents arriving after a certain time must get their tray from their room or hallway. The resident, also cognitively intact per the most recent MDS, expressed dislike for the sign but felt compelled to follow the rule. Interviews with dietary and activities staff revealed uncertainty about who posted the sign. Facility policy required residents to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.