Failure to Offer and Assist with Meals for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living, including eating, was not offered or assisted with their noon meal. The resident, who had diagnoses of adult failure to thrive and dementia and was on hospice care, was observed alone and sleeping in her room while meal trays were being distributed. The resident's meal tray remained on the cart and was not delivered or offered to her. Staff interviews revealed confusion and miscommunication regarding responsibility for offering the meal, with the CNA stating she did not deliver the tray because the hospice aide was working with the resident, and later indicating she was not instructed to offer the meal. The LPN confirmed that the hospice aide had requested the CNA to attempt to arouse and feed the resident when the meal arrived, but this was not carried out. The resident's medical record indicated she was dependent on staff for eating and required a specialized diet. The facility's policy required staff to serve trays and assist residents who need help with eating. Despite this, the resident was not offered her meal, and her daughter later stated she wanted staff to offer each meal, even if she did not want her mother to be awoken for meals. The failure to offer and assist with the meal was directly observed and confirmed through staff interviews and record review.