Lack of Homelike Environment in Dining Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a homelike environment for residents dining in the North and South unit dining rooms. Observations revealed that residents were served meals on trays without tablecloths or centerpieces, creating an institutional atmosphere rather than a homelike setting. This affected approximately 8-20 residents per meal, out of the 98 residents at the facility. The dining tables were undecorated, and in some instances, held newspapers and word puzzles from earlier activities, further detracting from a homelike environment. Interviews with residents and staff highlighted the lack of homelike elements in the dining areas. A resident expressed that the dining area felt like a cafeteria and suggested that tablecloths or decorations could improve the atmosphere. The Registered Dietetic Technician also noted that more decoration, such as centerpieces, would be appreciated by everyone. The Administrator acknowledged that serving meals on trays could be considered a dignity issue, as it contributed to a more institutional feel rather than a homelike environment.
Plan Of Correction
A) What corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by this practice? a. On table clothes and centerpieces were provided on the tables for North and South wing. b. On dishes, flatware, cups and food items were removed from the serving tray. B) How will you identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same practice, and what corrective action will be taken? a. On the Director of Nursing/designee completed an audit to ensure North and South dining room tables have table clothes and centerpieces on the tables. b. On the Director of Nursing/ designee completed an audit to ensure all dishes, flatware, cups, and food are removed from the tray unless the resident declines to have items removed per their plan of care. C) What measures will be put into place or what systemic changes will you take to ensure that the practice does not reoccur? a. By Director of Nursing/designee completed education with staff to ensure North and South unit tables have table clothes and center pieces. b. By the Director of Nursing/ designee completed education with staff to remove dishes, flatware, cups, and food removed from the tray unless the resident prefers to have items on the tray per the plan of care. D) How will the corrective actions be monitored to ensure the practice will not recur; what quality measures will be put into place? a. Director of Nursing/designee to complete random audit to ensure North and South wings tables have table clothes and center pieces compliance with federal regulation F584 weekly x4 weeks then monthly for 2 months or until substantial compliance is achieved. b. Director of Nursing/designee to complete random audit to ensure to remove dishes, flatware, cups, and food removed from the tray unless the resident prefers to have items on the tray per the plan of care compliance with federal regulation F584 weekly x4 weeks then monthly for 2 months or until substantial compliance is achieved. c. Findings will be reported monthly at the QA/Risk management meeting until such a time substantial compliance has been determined.