Failure to Provide Consistent and Appropriate Snacks to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently offer and provide nutritional snacks to residents as ordered or requested, particularly for those who desired snacks at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times. Review of resident council meeting minutes documented concerns from residents about wanting more snacks and a greater variety of snack options. During interviews, several residents reported that when they requested snacks, staff would often state that only saltine crackers or graham crackers were available, and that snack bins were only filled after breakfast and lunch. One resident noted that staff reported there was nothing left when snacks were requested late at night. Another resident, who was on a pureed diet, was given inappropriate snacks such as potato chips and cookies, and reported that staff were unaware of their dietary restrictions and that suitable alternatives like pudding or yogurt were not available. Staff interviews confirmed that the expectation was for snacks to be passed at night and that snacks were included in standard orders. However, the reports from residents and the lack of suitable snack options, especially for those with specific dietary needs or those requesting snacks outside of scheduled times, indicate that the facility did not consistently meet residents' dining preferences and nutritional needs as required.