Resident Not Served Meal Tray Timely, Affecting Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and diabetic neuropathy was not served a meal tray at the same time as other residents during a lunch observation. The resident was observed looking around the dining room while others were eating and expressed feeling hungry, stating that it was not the first time they had to wait for their tray. The resident ultimately received their lunch tray 30 minutes after all other residents had been served. Interviews with staff, including a restorative nursing assistant, a licensed nurse, and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that all residents should be served their trays simultaneously to maintain dignity and respect. The facility's policy on resident rights also emphasized the importance of treating all residents with kindness, respect, and dignity, including ensuring a dignified existence. The failure to serve the meal tray in a timely manner did not preserve the resident's dignity and respect as required.