Failure to Ensure Resident Dignity and Respect During Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) was reported to have treated a resident with disrespect and denied timely assistance with toileting. According to interviews and record reviews, one resident observed the CNA speaking rudely and impatiently to another resident on two consecutive days. The CNA scolded the resident for being messy, instructed them to clean up their own mess, and refused immediate assistance to the bathroom, stating they had other tasks to complete. The resident was left waiting for help until another resident called for assistance. The affected resident expressed feeling upset and disrespected as a result of these interactions. The resident involved had been admitted with diagnoses including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxemia, generalized muscle weakness, and difficulty walking, and required supervision and assistance with toileting and mobility due to fall risk. The incident was witnessed and reported by another resident, who also felt intimidated by the CNA's subsequent behavior. The facility's policy prohibits any form of abuse, including verbal abuse, and mandates that residents be treated with dignity and respect. Interviews with the residents and a family member confirmed the events and the emotional impact on those involved.