Failure to Accommodate Resident Food Preferences
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with chronic systolic heart failure, depression, and muscle wasting was served a meal that did not accommodate her documented food preferences. The resident's admission record indicated her dislikes, including green beans, yet she was served green beans for lunch. During interviews and observation, the resident stated she often receives food that does not match her preferences and expressed frustration about the lack of control over her meal options. Upon review of the resident's meal ticket and food tray, both the DON and the Administrator confirmed that green beans, listed as a dislike, were served to the resident. The facility's policy requires staff to check tray cards to ensure correct meals are served according to resident preferences, but this procedure was not followed in this instance. The DON acknowledged that the policy was not adhered to, resulting in the resident receiving a meal inconsistent with her documented preferences.