Failure to Honor Resident Food Preferences and Provide Alternatives
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's food preferences and provide appropriate meal alternatives as required by the resident's care plan and dietary orders. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, diabetes mellitus, dysphagia, and muscle weakness, was cognitively intact and able to make decisions regarding their care. Documentation indicated that the resident should be offered choices for snacks and that staff should honor food and fluid preferences. However, the resident reported not liking the meals provided, specifically grilled chicken and fish, and stated that no substitutes or snacks were offered. The resident also expressed a dislike for milk, which was not accommodated. Observations confirmed that the resident was served grilled fish and Ensure, despite the diet ticket specifying a preference for boiled meats and a dislike of milk. Staff interviews revealed that while there was a process for requesting meal substitutes, boiled beef was not offered as an option. The Dietary Supervisor acknowledged that the meal provided did not align with the resident's documented preferences and that the facility's policy required satisfaction of resident tastes and provision of food substitutions. This failure to provide preferred foods and alternatives was directly observed and confirmed through interviews and record reviews.