Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable meals to residents, as evidenced by both direct observation and resident interviews. During test tray samplings, meals such as Dorito casserole and mixed vegetables were found to be lukewarm, bland, and not well seasoned, while banana cake was served dry and without icing. Multiple residents reported that hot foods were not served hot and cold foods were not served cold, particularly when meals were delivered to their rooms. Additionally, some residents described the food as bland and unappetizing, with one resident stating they only ate breakfast from the kitchen due to the poor quality of lunch and dinner meals. Assessments showed that the residents involved had varying levels of cognitive function, with most being independent in daily decision-making. The dietary manager acknowledged the issues, noting efforts to serve food quickly to maintain temperature and confirming that the banana cake should have included icing. These findings indicate that the facility did not consistently ensure meals were palatable, attractive, and served at safe and appetizing temperatures for the residents.