Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: " Resident was not accorded dignity in their personal relationships with staff." Based on interviews conducted and record review the findings indicate that facility staff have not caused emotional distress or harassed resident (R1) about hygiene, sponge baths, and cultural background. It is alleged that facility staff communicated communicated to a third party health professional that the resident is not sponge bathing itself. The facility provides shower assistance to residents twice a week, and/or more if needed due to incontinence issues. On the days that residents do not receive a shower they are sponge bathe by staff. Resident (R1) refuses shower assistance and sponge baths. Therefore is not on the facility bathing schedule. Per record review, resident (R1) can bathe itself without assistance. It was noted that the resident is at times disoriented and confused due to health diagnosis. Resident (R1) confirmed refusal of bathing assistance, and stated it bathes and/or washes hair regularly on its own. Resident (R1) stated there are possible cultural differences in hygiene practices.

Six (6) out of six (6) staff denied allegation and stated that resident (R1) has good hygiene and is able to perform own bathing. Two (2) out eight (8) residents stated that staff have harassed them and were not treated with dignity during bathing assistance. A resident stated that caregiver staff rush bathing sessions and ask the resident to quickly get out of the shower with soap still in some body parts. Six (6) out of eight (8) residents stated they are treated well by staff and do not feel harassed or mistreated. There is insufficient supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation.

Based on interviews conducted, records reviewed, and LPA observations there is insufficient information to support the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated.

Exit interview conducted with Administrator Marina Pink. A copy of the report was provided.