Failure to Provide Palatable and Appetizing Food to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable, attractive, and appetizing food to residents, as evidenced by multiple complaints and observations involving seven residents. Several residents reported that the food was unappealing, lacked seasoning, and was repetitive, with chicken being served frequently. Some residents described the food as rubbery, unrecognizable, or inedible, leading them to consume very little of their meals or rely on family members to bring in outside food. Observations confirmed that residents often returned their trays untouched or ate only a small portion of the meals provided. Record reviews revealed that residents with significant medical conditions, such as diabetes, muscle weakness, anemia, and recent fractures, were affected by the poor food quality. Care plans for these residents included interventions to cater to food preferences and monitor intake, yet these interventions were not effectively implemented. For example, one resident with diabetes and at risk for malnutrition had poor oral intake and required increased nutritional supplements, but continued to express dissatisfaction with the food and reported significant weight loss. Interviews with dietary and nursing staff indicated a lack of awareness and follow-up regarding resident complaints about food palatability. The Dietary Supervisor and Dietary Manager acknowledged receiving complaints but did not maintain logs of uneaten food or consistently address the issues. The Registered Dietician was unaware of specific complaints and had not visited some newly admitted residents to discuss dietary needs. The Director of Nursing was also unaware of the extent of food-related complaints, despite policies requiring communication of such concerns. Facility policy stated that residents should receive nourishing, palatable, and well-balanced diets that consider their preferences, but this was not consistently achieved.