Facility Fails to Provide Designated Dining Room for Residents
Summary
The facility failed to provide a designated dining room for residents, as required by federal regulations, the approved floor plan, and facility policy. This deficiency was identified during a survey conducted by surveyors who met with the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and the Director of Nursing (DON). The LNHA admitted that since her tenure began, there had been no physical dining area, resulting in the absence of communal dining services for the 126 residents. Instead, the facility offered room tray services. The surveyors noted that the facility was approved for communal dining on the first floor, according to the submitted floor plan, but this service was not being provided. Further investigation revealed that during a resident council meeting, four residents expressed a desire for communal dining, which was not being offered. The facility's Accommodation of Needs Policy, updated in April 2024, stated that residents' individual needs and preferences should be accommodated, including their dining preferences. However, the facility failed to adhere to this policy by not providing a communal dining option. The survey team communicated these concerns to the facility management, but no additional information was provided during the exit conference.
Penalty
Resources
Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:
The facility failed to provide adequate dining space for residents on the secured unit, affecting 17 residents. During meals, staff had to move residents to accommodate others, resulting in some eating off bedside tables and limited interaction. Observations showed cramped conditions with minimal space between wheelchairs, highlighting the inadequacy of the dining area.
Inadequate Dining Space for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate dining space for residents on the secured unit, affecting 17 residents. During a lunch observation, 15 residents were seated in the dining room, which had four square tables, one against a wall, leaving no open seats. A State tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) had to move a resident to a sitting area to accommodate another resident, resulting in the first resident eating off a bedside table without interaction until the rest of their meal arrived. This indicates insufficient space for all residents to dine together comfortably. Further observations during dinner revealed that residents seated back-to-back had minimal space between their wheelchairs. An STNA had to move a resident to make room for another, highlighting the cramped conditions. The facility census confirmed 17 residents on the secured unit, underscoring the inadequacy of the dining area to accommodate all residents simultaneously, leading to disruptions in meal service and resident interaction.
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