Failure to Ensure Dignified Dining Experience and Consistent Use of Appropriate Dinnerware
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience for several residents, as evidenced by staff standing over residents while assisting with feeding and serving meals with an assortment of inadequate dinnerware. One resident, who was alert and oriented, expressed dissatisfaction with being served food on plastic plates and using paper and plastic utensils, preferring real silverware. Observations showed plastic ware on the resident's bedside table. During lunch, a nurse was seen standing over a resident while feeding, intermittently leaving to check the medication cart, and placing food in the resident's mouth and hands without consistent engagement. Another resident was observed self-propelling out of the dining room wearing a soiled clothing protector, which was only addressed after the resident returned. Some residents were left without napkins or plastic ware, causing delays in starting their meals and requiring staff assistance to cut food. Further observations revealed that approximately 15 residents were served meals with a mix of Styrofoam cups, dessert plates, plastic utensils, and small melamine plates that were insufficient for the meal portions. The dietary manager confirmed that a full set of dishes was available and the dish machine was operational, but could not explain why assorted dinnerware was used. Staff interviews indicated that the dining room sometimes became crowded, making it difficult to provide one-on-one feeding assistance at an appropriate level. A review of the facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity showed it did not specifically address dignity practices during dining.