Failure to Provide Assistive Eating Equipment for Resident with Parkinson's Disease
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide necessary assistive eating equipment, specifically a plate divider, to a resident with Parkinson's disease who required such adaptive devices during mealtime. During observation, the resident was seen struggling to keep food on her plate, resulting in food falling onto the floor. The resident expressed difficulty with the provided utensils, and both the LVN and DON acknowledged that a plate guard should have been supplied to assist with eating. The resident was on a mechanical soft, no added salt diet and was mentally capable of understanding her needs. Record review confirmed the resident's diagnosis and dietary requirements, and interviews with facility staff revealed that the resident had not been evaluated or referred for adaptive equipment as outlined in the facility's policy. The Director of Rehabilitation stated that staff should have referred the resident for an evaluation to determine the need for adaptive devices, and the facility's policy indicated that adaptive equipment should be provided as needed, with occupational therapy involvement recommended for assessment.