Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Timely Response to Call Lights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to protect the dignity and psychosocial well-being of two residents by not ensuring they were treated with respect and assisted promptly with personal needs. One resident, who was severely cognitively impaired, required maximum assistance with activities of daily living and had a diagnosis of dementia. This resident was observed lying in bed on the left side with the right side of the head positioned partially on a pillow and partially against a wall. The wall next to the bed had noticeable dried brown hand wipes on the white surface, which the Director of Nursing identified as feces, and stated that the resident's head was lying in the feces. The resident’s power of attorney later reported that no one from the facility had contacted them about the incident and stated that the resident would not have appreciated having her head lying in feces. Another resident, who was cognitively intact and required maximum assistance with activities of daily living, reported that when needing to use the restroom, the call light system was activated but at times it took over an hour for staff to respond. The resident stated that this delay resulted in urinary incontinence and made the resident feel disrespected. A Licensed Practical Nurse confirmed that all call lights should be answered as quickly as possible, that a response time of over an hour was not acceptable, and that this resident was alert and would know when restroom assistance was needed. The facility’s policy stated that every effort would be made to assist each resident in exercising their rights to ensure they are always treated with respect, kindness, and dignity.
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