Failure to Treat Resident with Dignity During ADL Assistance
Summary
The deficiency involves a failure to ensure a resident was treated with dignity and respect when a CNA snapped her fingers at the resident to gain his attention while he was being assisted with dressing. The resident had multiple diagnoses including dysphagia, muscle weakness, delusional disorder, lack of coordination, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, and had a BIMS score of 12 indicating moderately impaired cognition. He required varying levels of assistance with ADLs and had a history of physical behavioral symptoms directed toward others and rejecting care. Surveillance footage from the resident’s room showed four staff members assisting him with dressing while he sat on his bed. During this interaction, the CNA attempting to help him with his right arm into his shirt moved her arm forward quickly, and a snap or pop sound was heard, after which the resident turned and looked directly at the CNA with a somber expression while she continued dressing him. In an interview, the CNA acknowledged that she snapped her fingers at the resident, stating it was to get his attention because he had been acting out, and that she was unaware of the camera in the room at the time. Other staff interviewed indicated that snapping fingers at a resident was not acceptable, was not respectful, and would be reported if witnessed, and one nurse stated she would intervene and address the staff member in front of the resident. An administrative nurse reported being startled by the surveillance video and stated that she expected staff to acknowledge and address such an event and notify on-call staff. Facility policies on Resident Rights and Quality of Life - Dignity stated that associates must respect resident rights and that residents should be cared for in a manner that promotes well-being, self-worth, and self-esteem, and that demeaning practices compromising dignity are prohibited. The CNA’s action of snapping her fingers at the resident to control his behavior during care was inconsistent with these policies and constituted a failure to honor the resident’s right to dignity and respect.
Penalty
Resources
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