Failure to Honor Resident Food Allergy and Preference
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a documented allergy and dislike to strawberries was served strawberry flavored gelatin during lunch. The resident's Nutrition-Quarterly Evaluation listed a strawberry allergy, and the meal ticket on the lunch tray also indicated this allergy. Despite this, dietary staff placed strawberry gelatin on the resident's tray, and the resident reported receiving and not consuming the dessert due to the allergy. The dietary supervisor confirmed awareness of the resident's allergy and acknowledged that an alternative dessert should have been provided, regardless of the gelatin containing only artificial flavorings. Observations during meal service and interviews with both the resident and dietary staff confirmed that the resident's food preferences and allergies were not honored as required by facility policy. The policy states that food preferences are to be adhered to and updated as resident needs change. The failure to provide an appropriate dessert option resulted in the resident not receiving a meal that accommodated their documented allergy and preference.