Failure to Provide Snacks According to Resident Needs and Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide snacks in accordance with residents' needs, preferences, and requests, as required by facility policy. Observations revealed that the nourishment refrigerator on the Santa Fe unit was repeatedly empty or contained only a minimal amount of snacks, insufficient for the number of residents. During a group interview, several alert and oriented residents expressed concerns about not receiving bedtime snacks and stated that snacks were not routinely offered; they had to request them if they wanted any during the day. Staff interviews confirmed that snacks were stored in a locked breakroom refrigerator, limiting access for residents who could not ambulate independently or communicate their needs effectively. The dietary manager acknowledged that the amount of snacks provided was not sufficient for all residents to have more than one snack if desired. Facility policies indicated that nourishing snacks should be available to residents 24 hours a day and that intake should be documented in the medical record. However, the practice of locking snacks in a breakroom and not maintaining adequate stock in the nourishment room resulted in limited access, particularly for residents unable to request snacks or access the kitchen independently. The registered dietitian confirmed that snacks should be available at all times, and the dietary manager admitted to the shortfall in snack availability relative to the resident population.