Failure to Provide Dignified Assistance During Mealtime
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves staff failing to treat a resident who required assistance with eating in a dignified and respectful manner, as required by resident rights to a dignified existence, self-determination, and communication. On 1/5/26 at 11:37 AM, a restorative nursing assistant (RNA #1) was observed standing next to a dining room table while spoon-feeding Resident #34 during lunch, rather than sitting at eye level or in a more respectful position. At 11:40 AM, the RNA stated she always stands while feeding so she can move around the room to help other residents if needed. At 11:50 AM, the DON and the Regional Nurse confirmed that staff should not be standing while feeding residents, indicating that the observed practice was inconsistent with facility expectations and contributed to the failure to provide dignified assistance with eating. This practice was identified through observation, review of the State Operations Manual, and staff interviews, and was determined to have the potential to negatively affect residents’ self-esteem, enjoyment of meals and mealtime, and food and fluid intake.
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