Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Utensils
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were provided with appropriate dining utensils, resulting in the use of plastic utensils for meal service. Multiple residents reported receiving only plastic utensils with their meal trays, which made eating difficult, especially for those with physical limitations such as arm injuries or tremors. Observations confirmed that residents were served meals with plastic utensils, and some residents resorted to eating with their hands due to the difficulty of using the provided utensils. Resident Council meeting minutes also documented that residents had previously requested regular silverware, indicating ongoing dissatisfaction with the use of plastic utensils. Staff interviews revealed that the continued use of plastic utensils was attributed to issues such as silverware being thrown away, going missing, or problems with the dishwashing machine. The facility's own policy emphasized treating residents with dignity and respect, yet the practice of providing only plastic utensils did not align with this standard. Several cognitively intact residents expressed frustration and difficulty with the plastic utensils, and staff acknowledged the problem, noting that some residents could not eat properly with them.