Failure to Accommodate Resident Food Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate individual food preferences for residents, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. One resident consistently received meals containing eggs and Brussels sprouts, despite documented dislikes for these items on his meal ticket, and was not offered alternative options. During a meal observation, this resident was served Brussels sprouts, and he expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with the lack of alternatives. Another resident reported repeatedly receiving broccoli on his meal tray, even though his meal ticket indicated a dislike for broccoli, and the dietary manager confirmed that no alternate vegetable was provided when broccoli was on the menu. Additionally, during a group interview, a resident stated that only one vegetable option was available per meal, and no alternatives were offered if a resident disliked the provided vegetable. The nursing home administrator was unable to provide documentation showing efforts to accommodate these food preferences. These findings demonstrate that the facility did not make sufficient efforts to honor resident food preferences, as required, to enhance meal satisfaction.