Failure to Honor Resident Preferences for Meals and Dietary Choices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor the rights of two residents regarding their preferences and choices in care. One resident, who had hemiplegia and hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular disease, expressed a dislike for eggs but was served an omelette for breakfast despite her meal ticket clearly indicating eggs as a disliked item. Staff interviews confirmed that meal trays were supposed to be checked for resident preferences by both dietary and nursing staff, but this process failed to prevent the resident from receiving food she did not want. Facility policy and admission documents also stated that resident preferences should be accommodated, but this was not followed in practice. Another resident, diagnosed with protein-calorie malnutrition, attended dialysis appointments three times a week and requested a sandwich, Nepro supplement, and napkins for these visits. Despite making this request to multiple staff members, including the dietician, the resident continued to receive only three cups of puree food and Nepro, which he discarded. The dietician acknowledged the request but did not document it or discuss it with the interdisciplinary team, and the resident's dietary preference was not accommodated. The facility's own documents indicated that residents have the right to reasonable accommodation of their needs and preferences, but this was not upheld in these cases.